For women, there are not many procedures more common than a hysterectomy. This involves removing the complete or partial uterus, possibly including the fallopian tubes, cervix, or ovaries. Women decide to receive a hysterectomy for a few reasons. There reasons include:

Uterine fibroids - The majority of the time, this is why a hysterectomy is necessary. A fibroid is a growth upon the uterus that is not cancerous. Occasionally the growths will cause little to no problems and treatment is not required. Alternative solutions can be utilized in certain situations, but a hysterectomy may be the only option if the growths are extremely large, or cause bleeding and pressure.

Endometriosis - This is a problem where the endometrium, or uterine lining, forms on the wrong side, growing on the outside. Signs of this are: problems urinating, digestion issues, infertility, and severe, constant pain in the pelvis. Usually simpler surgeries or medication cycles can remedy the problem, but in certain cases a hysterectomy is the only choice.

Adenomyosis - Adenomyosis shares many of the same properties of endometriosis, but the endometrium forms inside the uterine muscles, as opposed to the outside. If a hysterectomy is not needed, solutions include destroying the uterine lining, endometrial ablation, or using medication.

Uterine Prolapse - Occasionally ligaments and tissues that are crucial for the support of the uterus lose their strength and resistance, and as a result, the uterus is lowered to the vagina. This condition can cause a wide variety of problems including: pressure in the pelvis, urination problems, and slight constipation. A hysterectomy may be necessary to correct the situation.

Constant Vaginal Bleeding or Pelvic Pains - While this situation may sometimes call for a hysterectomy, doctors usually try to fix the problem without a surgical procedure. However, surgery may be necessary if the less invasive methods are not effective.

Cancer - In the treating of gynecologic cancer, hysterectomies have been found to be a viable choice. The types of cancer it can affect are ovarian, uterine, and cervical. Sometimes a hysterectomy may be given as a precaution if non-cancerous abnormalities are located.

Hysterectomy Alternatives

Before making the major and life altering decision of having a hysterectomy, research different options. Reproduction will be impossible if a hysterectomy is preformed. Less serious procedures are generally more advantageous if they are appropriate.

Cancer will make your decision for you, as in almost every case a hysterectomy is the lone choice. There are plenty of alternate procedures and medicines available for the majority of conditions that do not have all the side effects, so consult with a medical professional.

As a general rule, the hysterectomy is a last effort. Although a hysterectomy carries a fair amount of risk, it is generally effective in correcting the issue that required the surgery. If at all possible, surgery should be avoided.