Dr. Khashayar Shakiba, at Women’s Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey in Hackensack, may recommend a hysterectomy — the removal of your uterus — for any of several reasons. For example, the procedure that may become necessary if you have fibroids, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or cancer.
While a hysterectomy can treat your condition and eliminate your symptoms, it also triggers changes you may not anticipate. Here, Dr. Shakiba explains these changes so you know what to expect from life after your hysterectomy.
Technically, a hysterectomy is the removal of your uterus, or womb, but it may also include the removal of other organs if your condition necessitates it.
A partial hysterectomy removes your uterus, but leaves your cervix untouched.
A total hysterectomy removes both your uterus and cervix. This type may also include the removal of one or both of your ovaries and fallopian tubes.
A radical hysterectomy removes your uterus, cervix, and part of your vagina. Again, one or both of your ovaries and your fallopian tubes may need to be removed as well.
The changes you experience after your hysterectomy depend on the extent of the procedure. During the first few days and weeks, you can expect some discomfort while you heal.
Dr. Shakiba uses minimally invasive, advanced robot-assisted surgical techniques whenever possible, which means you’ll have less blood loss, smaller incisions, a lower risk of complications, and a shorter recovery time.
If your ovaries have been removed as well, you’ll begin menopause immediately. If you keep your ovaries, you may go into menopause earlier than normal.
However, there are many good things associated with this procedure. The most important aspect is that, after a hysterectomy, you should be free from the symptoms you’d been experiencing, such as abnormal bleeding, pain, and cramping.
After a hysterectomy, you no longer have to deal with monthly periods, and you don’t have to use birth control, because you won’t be able to get pregnant.
If you had a hysterectomy because of uterine cancer, there’s a 95% chance you’ll be completely cured.
You can enjoy a healthy sex life after you heal from your hysterectomy, and it may be even more enjoyable than prior to your surgery because your pain will be gone.
Many of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better after their hysterectomy. Without the chronic pain and heavy bleeding, they’re free to enjoy their lives to the fullest.
To find out if a hysterectomy is right for you, schedule an appointment at Women’s Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey by calling our friendly staff or using our online booking tool today.
