Hysterectomy, as an important milestone in the history of women's medical treatment, has a long history. This surgery, which removes the uterus and cervix, has profound consequences for women's health. As medical technology advances, the indications for this surgery and its methods continue to evolve, changing the lives of many women.
Hysterectomy is divided into removal from the cervix (total hysterectomy) and removal of only the uterus but leaving the cervix (parahysterectomy). These surgeries sometimes also remove the ovaries or fallopian tubes. According to the report, approximately 68% of hysterectomies are performed to treat conditions such as endometriosis, irregular menstruation, and uterine fibroids.
Hysterectomy is the second most common gynecological surgery in the United States, after cesarean section.
Many women end up choosing hysterectomies when faced with serious reproductive problems. These problems include, but are not limited to, endometriosis, adenomyosis, heavy menstrual bleeding, etc. Surgery allows many people to completely resolve long-term health problems and return to a normal life.
For some women, this surgery is a ray of hope.
Hysterectomy is not without risks, however. The probability of short-term mortality and complications after surgery cannot be underestimated. Long-term mortality after surgery is significantly higher in younger women and people with certain health problems, according to research. In addition, many women experience problems such as hormonal imbalance and osteoporosis after surgery.
The recovery period after surgery varies depending on the type of surgery. The hospital stay is usually 3 to 5 days for abdominal surgery and 1 to 2 days for vaginal surgery. Experts recommend that you avoid inserting anything for six weeks after surgery.
As society's awareness of women's reproductive health increases, hysterectomy is no longer seen as the only option among some groups. Many women are beginning to explore alternative treatments, such as intrauterine devices and endometrial ablation.
Today, much research is devoted to exploring safer and more effective treatment options. For example, the popularity of hysterectomies and the development of other minimally invasive techniques have given women faced with similar problems the option of not having to undergo a full excision.
While hysterectomy can solve many health problems, could we find more conservative treatment options?
Hysterectomy is undoubtedly an important surgery that changed the history of women's health. But as new technologies and treatments develop, we need to rethink its place in medicine today. What’s the future of this surgery? How to balance mental health and physical health?