What is a Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes your uterus, also called the womb, which is where your baby grows when you’re pregnant. In addition to removing your uterus, your surgeon may also remove your ovaries and fallopian tubes during a hysterectomy.
After a hysterectomy, you no longer menstruate and you can’t get pregnant.
Why Might I Need a Hysterectomy?
Though hysterectomies are very common, they’re a serious surgical procedure. The team at North Atlanta Women's Specialists explains in detail why you need a hysterectomy during your consultation.
Common gynecological conditions that may require a hysterectomy include:
- Fibroids
- Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding)
- Endometriosis
- Uterine prolapse
- Gynecological cancer
In most cases, the team only recommends a hysterectomy if medical interventions failed to alleviate your symptoms, and you have no future plans for pregnancy, or your life is at risk.
How is a Hysterectomy Performed?
The women’s health experts at North Atlanta Women's Specialists use many surgical techniques to perform a hysterectomy.
Surgical methods include:
- Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. During the surgery, your North Atlanta Women's Specialists doctor inserts a flexible surgical camera (laparoscope) through a small incision into your abdomen. Then, they make additional small incisions for the surgical instruments needed to remove your uterus.
- Robotic Hysterectomy: The team at North Atlanta Women's Specialists also performs robotic hysterectomies, which combine laparoscopic surgical techniques with robotic technology to improve surgical precision and accuracy.
- Vaginal Hysterectomy: During a vaginal hysterectomy, your doctor removes your uterus through an incision they make in the vagina. Vaginal hysterectomy is also a minimally invasive surgical approach.
- Open Hysterectomy: During an open hysterectomy, also called an abdominal hysterectomy, your surgeon makes an incision through your abdomen to gain access to your uterus and remove it. The open hysterectomy is the most invasive surgical method and may require a longer recovery.
The team at North Atlanta Women's Specialists determines the surgical method best suited for you based on your need for a hysterectomy, current health, and medical history.
What Can I Expect After a Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a major surgery, and your recovery may take weeks, even after a minimally invasive approach. The team at North Atlanta Women's Specialists provides specific instructions on what to expect after your hysterectomy, including downtime and when you can return to your usual activities.
You no longer menstruate after a hysterectomy, and you may experience some sensation changes during sexual intercourse.
If your ovaries were removed, you can also expect to experience symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes. North Atlanta Women’s Specialists offers hormone replacement therapy to alleviate menopause symptoms.
Though some women feel a sense of loss after a hysterectomy, many experience a significant improvement in their quality of life since they no longer experience the gynecological symptoms that prompted the need for surgery.
To schedule your hysterectomy consultation with an experienced surgical team, call North Atlanta Women's Specialists or use the online tool to schedule an appointment today.
