Information and facts on Hysterectomy

 

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. This is done for many different reasons. A common reason is fibroid tumors, benign growths in the uterus that can cause problems. Over 30% of the hysterectomies performed in the U.S. are done to remove fibroids. Other conditions for which hysterectomy is performed include endometriosis (20%) and prolapse of the uterus (16-18%). The symptoms that lead women to consider hysterectomy are varied but include the following: a constant heavy, bloated feeling; urinary tract problems or incontenence; unusually long and heavy menstrual periods; unusual swelling in the abdominal region (due to fibroid tumors); infertility (due to fibroid tumors or endometriosis); and intolerance to the drug therapy usually prescribed for endometriosis.

There are 3 different types of  hysterectomy:

1. Total hysterectomy - in this procedure, the cervix is removed along with the uterus.

2.  Partial hysterectomy -  in partial hysterectomy, the uterus is removed but the cervix and other female reproductive organs remain intact.

3. Pan hysterectomy - this is the most common form of hysterectomy, the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus are removed.

Many women who have hysterectomies experience significant problems as a result. The most obvious of these occurs when the ovaries are removed together with the uterus; menopause begins abruptly, with its attendant difficulties and discomforts, because the body is suddenly deprived of estrogen. This hormonal loss in turn can lead to a greatly increased risk of bone mass loss, which often precedes osteoporosis, and to an increased likelihood of heart disease, as well as depression, urinary tract problems, joint pain, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, and fatigue. Even women who retain their ovaries often experience a drastic reduction in estrogen production, and menopause comes earlier-sometimes years earlier than it would have naturally. This is believed to be because the supply of blood to the ovaries is disrupted and decreased by removal of the uterus. Over half of women who have ovary-sparing "partial" hysterectomies experience early menopause. Another problem common among women who have undergone hysterectomy is diminished sexual interest and desire after surgery. Research indicates that one third of all women who have hysterectomies find their sexual desire and enjoyment greatly diminished. Removal of the ovaries may result in loss of sexuality because they secrete about half of a woman's supply of androgens, hormones that are responsible for sex drive in both men and women. However, diminished sexuality may occur whether or not the ovaries are removed. In Finland, studies have shown that the removal of the cervix in hysterectomy also resulted in diminished capacity for orgasm.

Not all of the problems that can follow hysterectomy are directly hormone related. Some women experience depression because of the knowledge that once the uterus is gone, it is too late to change one's mind about having children. Also, no surgical procedure is entirely 100% safe, foolproof, or guaranteed. There is a 50% chance of at least one minor postoperative complication (usually fever, bleeding, or wound trouble). It is estimated that 1 woman in 1,000 who has a hysterectomy will die as a result of complications, and 10 percent of the women who have this surgery will require a blood transfusion, an unsettling prospect in this age of AIDS

Other Changes To Make

• drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or filtered water a day

• eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)

• nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good

• juice is good (make your own with a juice machine)

• do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods

• carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack

• a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)

• do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks

• do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...

• use stress relief like going for walks in the park (or the 10/90 rule - see Stress)

• brown rice is good to eat

• avoid red meat and animal fats

• reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others

• fast a few days a month

• get at least 8 hours of sleep 

• exercise light to moderate amounts

• avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet

• do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke

• do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal

• do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry

• do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else

All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or to administer to any physical ailments.
In all matters related to your health please contact a qualified, licensed Medical Consultant or Doctor.