A hysterectomy is surgery to remove your uterus. It’s the second-most common surgical procedure for women in the United States, and about 600,000 hysterectomies are done each year.
Hysterectomy might be best known as a form of permanent birth control. The surgery removes part or all of your uterus, so it’s true that you can’t get pregnant after having a hysterectomy — but the procedure can also treat a range of gynecologic conditions affecting your health.
Farly Sejour, MD, Natalie Gould, WHNP-BC, and our team at Solace Women's Care specialize in diagnosing and treating complex gynecologic conditions. We have a wide range of nonsurgical treatment options for conditions like heavy periods, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids, and we encourage women to try conservative options first.
But when nonsurgical treatment isn’t enough or it’s not an option, robot-assisted hysterectomy could offer a lasting solution.
Hysterectomy is a customizable surgical procedure. Dr. Sejour removes part or all of your uterus, and in some cases, other reproductive organs like your cervix, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. Removing your uterus stops your menstrual cycle, and you won’t be able to get pregnant in the future.
It might be time to consider a hysterectomy if you have a serious gynecologic condition, such as:
Cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer are the five main types of gynecologic cancer. Cervical cancer is most common in women under 50, and uterine cancer is most common in women 50 and over, but any woman can develop gynecologic cancer.
Gynecologic conditions like heavy periods, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) often cause pelvic pain. About 15% of American women experience pelvic pain that lasts longer than six months, and when the pain becomes chronic, it can erode your quality of life.
Endometriosis is another common gynecologic condition that affects about 11% of women during their reproductive years. It happens when the endometrial tissue that lines your uterus grows in and around other pelvic organs. This tissue sheds during your monthly period just like healthy endometrial tissue, but it can cause pelvic pain and heavy periods.
Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the walls of your uterus. Up to 70% of women will get fibroids during their childbearing years. Fibroids don’t always cause noticeable symptoms, but if they get very large, they can cause heavy periods, pelvic pain, and bladder problems.
Uterine prolapse happens when the muscles and tissues that support your pelvic organs get weaker. Over time, your uterus can sink into your vagina and cause symptoms like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and lower back pain.
Hysterectomy is major surgery and you won’t be able to get pregnant afterward, so it’s important to weigh your options. Depending on your condition, our team may recommend conservative treatment options first.
But if you have gynecologic cancer, severe chronic pain, or another serious condition, hysterectomy may be the best option for you. Dr. Sejour reviews your diagnosis and your treatment options with you, so you can make the best decision for your health.
At Solace Women's Care, we perform minimally invasive robot-assisted hysterectomy procedures. Dr. Sejour may recommend a partial or total hysterectomy, depending on your needs.
You’re put under general anesthesia, and Dr. Sejour uses the da Vinci® surgery system to perform the procedure. Robot-assisted surgery is extremely precise, and the benefits include:
You may spend a night in the hospital after your hysterectomy. We give you instructions for recovering at home, and most women fully recover within 1-2 months.
When conservative treatment isn't enough to manage your gynecologic condition, it could be time to consider a hysterectomy. Schedule your first appointment at Solace Women's Care at 936-441-7100 or send us a message online.
