Hysterectomy

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A hysterectomy, or surgery to remove the uterus, is the second most common major surgery among women in the United States, second only to a cesarean section. About one-third of American women will have a hysterectomy by the time they are 60, according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

Several medical conditions can be treated or cured with a hysterectomy. Of the nearly 600,000 hysterectomies each year in the United States, up to half are performed to treat uterine fibroids, also known as non-cancerous tumors. Hysterectomies are also performed to treat endometriosis and to stop abnormal uterine bleeding. Other reasons to have a hysterectomy include:

• endometrial hyperplasia with atypia, an overgrowth of the uterine lining in which uterine cells contain precancerous changes

• cancer of the uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes

• genital prolapse, in which the ligaments that support pelvic structures like the uterus weaken and the organs drop

• invasive cervical cancer

• colon or bladder cancer that has spread to the uterus

• uncontrollable bleeding after childbirth

For some women, a hysterectomy is the answer to years of suffering from uterine problems. For others, hysterectomy is a last resort to treat cancer or another life-threatening condition.

Unless you have a severe pelvic infection, cancer or uncontrollable bleeding, there is usually no reason to rush into the decision. Because most hysterectomies are elective procedures (as opposed to emergencies), there is usually plenty of time to explore all options.