Hysterectomy is defined as surgical removal of uterus in females with or without cervix. It is used to treat a number of female health issues such as painful periods, prolapse or fibroids. Hysterectomy operation can be performed through vagina or abdomen. However, when a female is advised to go through hysterectomy it creates panic. The reason behind is she is not well aware of reasons for hysterectomy, its types and other related information. To help you update your information on hysterectomy here is our article.
Reason For Hysterectomy And Types Of Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is a surgical removal of uterus that can be performed without without cervix. Uterus is the muscular reproductive organ of female body that features the developing baby throughout the nine months of pregnancy. The lining of uterus known as endometrium thickened every month after ovulation and get ready to receive the fertilized egg. However if the ovum is an fertilized the lining shed away and the process is termed as menstruation. Thus, the female who goes through hysterectomy no longer has periods and it cannot conceive.
The condition that are treated by hysterectomy includes:
Hysterectomy are of five types.
Before choosing hysterectomy your doctor will discuss everything before the operation that includes your medical history, your present condition, pros and cons of the surgery and the support options after surgery. Also, your doctor discusses how you are feeling about the surgery. In addition, a range of test are done before hysterectomy that includes complete blood count test.
You may be required to stay for two to four days in the hospital depending upon the surgery. Within the first week after the surgery, it is important to start abdominal and pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles in the pelvic and maintain vaginal muscle tone and the bladder functions. It is better to see a physiotherapist to know the particular exercise.
Try to rest for at least two weeks after the operation and avoid driving during this time. Better rest lying down. In addition, avoid standing for more than a minute at a time in early postoperative period. Avoid stretching and heavy lifting. To avoid constipation you need to drink plenty of fluids and eat fresh vegetables and fruits. Your doctor may prescribe stool softener for a first few days. In addition, antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infection. Avoid vaginal sex for about six weeks post operation.
After hysterectomy,a female no longer requires to take contraceptives or get menstrual periods. If ovaries are removed female may experience menopause symptoms starting within a few days following the surgery. Your doctor should discuss oestrogen replacement therapy and other options with you depending upon your age if you were having periods before hysterectomy. In case, hysterectomy is done to treat cancer then the patient should get regular check-ups to make sure that she is cancer free.
Do not worry as hysterectomy can be an effective method to treat a number of gynaecological conditions to improve your quality of life.