Should I Have a Hysterectomy This Young?
That’s a tough question to answer. There is so much that goes in to this decision but before you make the decision we are hoping to share some information with you that might help you weigh the pros and cons.
A hysterectomy is the removal of a women’s uterus through surgical procedure. Hysterectomy is the 2nd most common surgery in the United States. In case you are wondering, C-Section is the first most common surgery. Common reasons women are considering a hysterectomy at a young age include:
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Endometriosis
PCOS
Uterine Fibroids
Before I provide you a list of symptoms, I think it’s important to note that these diagnoses do NOT HAVE A CURE. There are only treatment interventions that help with the symptoms.
Symptoms for each of these conditions vary from person to person however there is definite overlap. Many women are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:
Pelvic pain
Pelvic pressure
Pain with sex
Urge to urinate
Lower back pain
Tailbone pain
SI joint pain
Hip pain
Groin pain
Pain with bowel movements
And those are only the physical symptoms. It’s important that we also address the emotional and psychological symptoms that are often associated with these conditions:
Depression
Anxiety
Increased stress
Isolation
These conditions are very challenging for women both physically, mentally, and emotionally. I am going to be honest with you, I was extremely frustrated when doing research from what our internet would call “reliable” sources. Why am I so frustrated?? Every single “reliable” source gave you 2 treatment options for these conditions (every single one of them mind you had significant risks). The 2 treatment options for your SYMPTOMS (because remember there is no cure) included 1. Hormone Therapy and 2. Surgery (either laparoscopic or hysterectomy).
NONE. NONE of these “reliable” sources mentioned Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation/Therapy, proper nutrition, or a regular exercise program. WHAT?!!!
Ok. Ok. I will calm down. Let’s think of this logically…
Hormone Therapy requires you to take medications that alter progesterone and estrogen produced to help with symptoms. Side effects and risks of hormone therapy include:
Bloating
Breast swelling and tenderness
Headaches
Mood Changes
Nausea
Just to name a few…
Surgical interventions such as a Laparoscopy or Hysterectomy also have risks associated with them including:
Increased blood loss requiring a transfusion
Damage to surrounding areas such as the bladder, urethra, blood vessels and nerves
Blood clots in the legs or lungs
Infections
Side effects related to anesthesia
Increased risk for an additional surgery a few years later
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Scar tissue restrictions
Nausea
Hormonal changes (and symptoms associated)
So let’s take a look at the risks associated with pelvic floor rehabilitation, nutrition, and exercise…I’ll wait.
Well, go ahead. Look it up for yourself, “risks of pelvic floor rehabilitation, balanced nutrition, and exercise”. You won’t find much for risks. Truthfully you will find a list of significant benefits.
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation alone can positively impact all the symptoms listed above. What might you experience with pelvic floor therapy?
Decreased pelvic pain
Decreased abdominal pain
Improved quality of life
Improved bladder and bowel control
Decreased low back pain
Decreased hip pain
Decreased groin pain, SI joint pain, tailbone pain
Increased confidence
The list of benefits just goes on and on! And we know the wonderful benefits of good nutrition and exercise. I won’t even get in to the difference in cost but I will tell you that there is a SIGNIFICANT cost savings to a wellness approach.
So what is my point?
My point is… before you undergo a hysterectomy at a young age, consider trying a conservative and non invasive approach to help with your symptoms. To learn more about how pelvic floor physical therapy can help with your care, reach out and give us a call. We would be happy to hear your story and help you in your journey. Your story matters and you deserve to have providers in your corner that give you all the treatment options to allow you to make the decision that is best for you.
Written by: Jackie Giese
