Although women recognize the word hysterectomy, the procedure is often misunderstood. That’s why it’s essential to ask your doc what really needs to be removed, says William Parker, MD, clinical professor OB-GYN at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine. Here’s the lowdown.
Hysterectomy is the removal of just your uterus.
Total hysterectomy includes the removal of the cervix. Nearly 90 percent of women undergoing hysterectomies have this done.
Total hysterectomy with oophorectomy is the removal of the uterus, cervix, and ovaries; around half of all total hysterectomy patients have their ovaries removed, too.
How do you find out what’s the right choice for you?
Talk with your doc. Some doctors believe removing the uterus, cervix, and ovaries is rarely appropriate. Get a second opinion if you aren’t sure.
Ask about side effects: Incontinence, lubrication and orgasm problems.
By Nancy Larson
Comments (1)
mY GYN AND i TALKED ABOUT ME GETTING A HYSTECT I BLEED 2 TIMES A WK AND IT REAL BAD. YES MY TUBES ARE TYED AND IM 45YRS OLD. i CANT WORK WHEN I HAVE MY PIORED. i CANT STAND BECAUSE IT POORS OUT. i CANT TAKE LIVING LIKE THIS NO MORE. HE ASKED WOULD I GO WITH HAVING A HYSTERSTOMIE. iT SOUNDS GREAT TO ME i DONT NEED MY BLUMBING NO MORE. i HAVE 4 WONDERFUL CHILDREN. wHAT I NEED TO KNOW IS HOW DOES THE REMOVEL OF THIS WORKS?