When you’re suffering from painful periods or heavy, constant bleeding that interrupts your life, it might seem like the simplest solution is to have a hysterectomy. But getting your uterus removed is a big deal. Besides ending your fertility, a hysterectomy also initiates the bothersome symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes and mood swings. And it’s a major surgery with a fairly long recovery time.
For many uterine health conditions, like endometriosis, heavy periods and uterine fibroids, there are alternatives to hysterectomy that are still effective. These alternatives to hysterectomy include:
Progestin Hormones
The hormone progestin, when taken in the form of shots or birth control (particularly the Mirena IUD), can be effective in the treatment of uterine fibroids and endometriosis. They are good options for women who want to preserve their fertility while treating their symptoms.
GnRH
Doctors may sometimes prescribe a round of Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone (GnRH or Lupron) as a way to stop the production of estrogen and reduce the size of uterine fibroids. This treatment usually takes about two months and is highly effective in relieving symptoms for women with fibroids or endometriosis.
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgery that your gynecological surgeon may use to remove endometrial growths and scar tissue. This procedure provides significant relief of symptoms for women suffering from endometriosis, and in the best cases it can also preserve or even return their fertility to them.
Myomectomy
A myomectomy is a surgical procedure gynecologists perform to remove fibroids while preserving the healthy tissue of the uterus. It is an effective procedure, but fibroids may grow back later. A myomectomy can be performed by laparoscopy, hysteroscopy or robotically. It can be a good option for women who want to keep their uterus or have children later.
Endometrial Ablation
This hysteroscopy surgery removes the endometrial lining of the uterus to reduce or end a woman’s period while leaving the uterus intact. Childbirth cannot occur after the procedure.
Sometimes your gynecologist will determine that, despite the many available treatment options, a hysterectomy is the best choice to deal with your uterine fibroids or other health condition. In that case, a robotic hysterectomy, can offer quicker recovery times for women.
At All About Women, our expert surgical team can help you decide on the best treatment for your condition in a compassionate, comfortable setting. Contact our Lake City or Gainesville office today to schedule an appointment.
