Who Is a Good Candidate for a Hysterectomy?

If you are struggling with your reproductive health, you may be considering a surgical solution such as a hysterectomy to relieve your symptoms. If you want to be considered for this procedure, you will need to attend a consultation at Lively Wellness and Aesthetics in Odessa, TX to assess your qualifications.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a serious medical procedure that will remove the uterus, as well as the ovaries and fallopian tubes to reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer in the future if you are high risk. Some low-risk patients may still keep their ovaries after this procedure. Because this is such a serious procedure with long-lasting consequences, it is usually only reserved for candidates who have qualifying medical conditions.

Patients who may be good candidates for this surgery may include those who have endometriosis, gynecologic cancers (uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, or cervical cancer), fibroids, or uterine prolapse. Women who have heavy or prolonged periods that do not respond to other treatments such as birth control may also be good candidates.

How Does This Procedure Affect Your Body?

Depending on the specifics of your surgery, you may experience several changes related to menopause after having this procedure – even if you are still young. For women who have their ovaries removed along with the uterus, symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats are common. If your ovaries remain after your surgery, then the symptoms of menopause may not develop for several years when the natural decline in estrogen production will occur.

The immediate effect of this procedure will be the cessation of menstrual periods and the inability to get pregnant in the future. For some, this may be a welcome relief from heavy cycles and intense premenstrual pain. The hormonal changes may also have an impact on food cravings, hormonal acne, and more.

Does This Procedure Help You Lose Weight?

Some women assume having this procedure may affect weight maintenance. According to studies, there is no definitive length between this procedure and weight loss. On the other hand, due to hormone changes after this procedure, it may be easier to gain weight, particularly during the first year after the procedure.

What Is the Average Age for This Procedure?

This procedure is most common in women between the ages of 40 and 50, as this is typically when high-risk conditions like ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancer will develop. This procedure may not be recommended for younger women, particularly women who have not been pregnant in the future. However, to be clear, even younger women are qualified to have this procedure regardless of childbearing status.

Can This Procedure Lower Your Risk of Breast Cancer?

Sometimes, this procedure is recommended for women who are breast cancer survivors. There is a very close link between breast cancer and female sex organs. Women who have a procedure to remove the uterus and ovaries have an increased survival rate of 30% after surviving breast cancer. Please discuss if this is a good option for you with your oncologist and medical team.

What Tests Will You Need To Complete Before This Procedure?

Before your surgery, you will need to complete several labs and exams, such as basic blood work to verify you are healthy enough for surgery. Your surgeon will also order a pap smear to test for cervical cancer cells, an endometrial biopsy to detect abnormal uterine cells, and a pelvic ultrasound to assess uterine fibroids or cysts.

Other Preparation Guidelines

Before your procedure, you will need to follow other preparation guidelines so your surgery can be successful. For example, if you are over the recommended weight for your BMI, you may need to lose weight before you can qualify for surgery. If you use tobacco products, you will need to discontinue these products and abstain from alcoholic beverages until after your recovery.

If you take medications regularly to manage any health concerns or conditions, you will need to discuss your medications with your surgeon. Some medications may need to be temporarily discontinued, such as blood thinning medications, to prepare for your surgery.

What Happens During Your Recovery?

After your surgery, you will likely need to stay in the hospital for at least two to three days to recover from the procedure. Your total recovery time may take as long as two to six weeks based on your health and the type of hysterectomy you had. During the first week after your procedure, you will need to refrain from any excessive exercise or movement.

After one to two weeks, you will be able to walk for 10 to 15 minutes at least once a day to keep your blood flow healthy. You may also have instructions that you need to follow for wound care and dressing, including directions on when you can shower and how to use scar gel to reduce the risk of scarring.

Speak With Your Surgeon Today

Removing the womb and ovaries from the body may be necessary if you have certain female reproductive health concerns, including certain types of cancer and heavy menstrual bleeding. To be a candidate for this procedure, you will need to be in relatively good health and you must meet the basic qualifications for the surgery. Contact Lively Wellness and Aesthetics in Odessa, TX to schedule your consultation.