Is a Hysterectomy Right for Me?
If you are contemplating a hysterectomy to manage a gynecologic condition or symptoms, it is important that you take some time to weigh your options and get a second opinion before making any final decisions. Today, there are a wide variety of minimally invasive treatment optionsavailable for a wide variety of gynecologic concerns–a hysterectomy is rarely the only option.
Though you may find it helpful to talk to female friends, family members, and colleagues, the decision to have a hysterectomy can only be made by you with the input of your personal physician. The two of you will need to take into consideration your current symptoms, personal and family medical histories, and your quality of life.
HysterSisters has several tips which you might find helpful as you work through your hysterectomy decision process. Rarely is a hysterectomy an emergency surgery, so take some time to research, learn about your options, and make a well-informed decision for you.
HYSTERSISTER TIPS:
Try alternative treatments.
Before scheduling a hysterectomy or another gynecologic surgery, talk to your doctor about alternative treatment options. You can begin with the least invasive treatment first. If those are not successful for you, you can then move to more invasive options. Even when considering surgical choices, try the more minimally invasive options before consenting to invasive choices or a hysterectomy. Depending on your diagnosis, there are a multiple of procedures which could treat your condition without requiring the removal of your uterus.
Always seek a second opinion.
When choosing which treatment option might be best for you, and especially before scheduling a hysterectomy, it’s wise to seek a second opinion. Every physician has a different level of skill, education, and experience, so each one can offer different options depending on personal abilities and knowledge. Consulting with a physician who specializes in your condition can open the doors to additional options because of expert training and experience.
Remember some women exchange one set of problems for another.
A hysterectomy is not a cure all for every gynecologic issue and it comes with a long list of possible side effects and risks. For some women, they find the hysterectomy complications and issues that occur after surgery are worse than their original condition. To try to avoid having this happen to you, it is important to learn about your risks and find the most skilled and knowledgeable specialist you can.
Choose minimally invasive surgery.
If hysterectomy is your only option and final choice, choose a less invasive option. Rather than settle for surgery with a general OB/GYN, look for a surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive surgery and has extensive experience. Minimally invasive hysterectomy options can offer many advantages for women, so you could benefit in a lot of ways from this type of surgery.
This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support. Reprinted with permission: Is a Hysterectomy Right for Me?
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