Stay updated, sign up for our free newsletter to receive useful tips
Full Name Email Id
Alternatives To Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is a big decision to take, and women may like to consider alternatives to hysterectomy and discuss these alternatives with their doctor. Here are some of the alternatives to the medical problems that are treated with a hysterectomy.
Fibroids
Some of the alternative treatment options for fibroids include:
Waiting until menopause;
Inducing temporary menopause by taking GNRH analogues;
Mirena intra-uterine system;
Heat or laser therapy to reduce the size of the fibroids;
Surgically removing the fibroids;
Uterine fibroid embolisation.
Heavy Bleeding
Rate this Article
Excellent
Good
Average
Bad
Terrible
Current Rating
Some of the alternative treatment options for heavy bleeding include:
Non-hormonal drugs like NSAIDs and tranexamic acid;
Hormonal drugs (including the oral contraceptive);
Mirena intra-uterine system;
Removing the endometrium by endometrial ablation.
Uterine Prolapse
Some of the alternatives for uterine prolapse include:
Pelvic floor exercises;
Ring pessary;
Other surgical procedures.
Endometriosis/Adenomysosis
Some of the alternatives for endometriosis/adenomyosis include:
Hormonal drugs (progestins, Danazol and GNRH analogues);
Removal of the endometrial tissue;
Mirena intra-uterine system.
Cancer
There is no real alternative for treating cancer, except with a hysterectomy.
Benefits of Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy can be a difficult decision to make and other options may like to be considered before the hysterectomy is done. Some of the benefits of a hysterectomy include:
Can be life-saving in the case of cancer;
Can more effectively treat certain medical conditions than other methods;
A hysterectomy will often remove the chances of the problem reoccurring.
Risks of Hysterectomy
There are some risks in any hysterectomy procedure. Some of these risks include:
Post-operative fever and infection;
Formation of a blood clot in the lungs;
Damage to surrounding organs;
Urinary complaints;
Risk of vaginal vault prolapse.
Making the Decision
Most women who face the prospect of a hysterectomy have some time to think about whether they want to undergo this operation. It is worth spending some thought about whether this is what you want to do before you make the decision. You should also discuss the different types of hysterectomy available with your doctor. A total abdominal hysterectomy has more recovery time and more risks than a vaginal hysterectomy.
Excellent
Good
Average
Bad
Terrible
