Hysterectomy Alternatives
A hysterectomy is sometimes the most effective treatment for serious gynecologic conditions, but many women are relieved to learn that there are less invasive alternatives that can address their symptoms and preserve their fertility. This article will discuss what a hysterectomy is, why it might be recommended, why some women seek alternatives, and effective hysterectomy alternatives.
At Maiden Lane Medical in New York City, our expert gynecology team helps women make informed decisions about their reproductive health, offering a range of advanced treatments for conditions like uterine fibroids, endometriosis, abnormal bleeding, and chronic pelvic pain. Contact us today to learn how we can help you take control of your reproductive health with personalized, compassionate care.
What is a Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus. It is the second most common surgery for women of reproductive age in the United States. Several variations of the procedure exist, depending on what tissues or organs are removed:
- Total Hysterectomy with Salpingectomy: Removes the uterus, cervix and both fallopian tubes (standard of care is to always remove the fallopian tubes with any hysterectomy as not needed and risk reducing for ovarian cancer, which is thought to possibly originate in the fallopian tubes)
- Supracervical Hysterectomy with Salpingectomy: Removes the uterus and both fallopian tubes
- Hysterectomy with Salpingo-Oophorectomy: Removes the uterus along with one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes
- Radical Hysterectomy with Salpingo-Oophorectomy: Removes the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries, top of the vagina, surrounding tissues, and pelvic lymph nodes (usually for cancer treatment)
Once a hysterectomy is performed, a woman can no longer become pregnant, and removal of the ovaries may lead to immediate menopause.
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is a surgery to remove a woman’s uterus. There are different types of hysterectomy surgeries. Learn why they are used as treatments.
Why Would I Need a Hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy is often recommended for women dealing with severe or treatment-resistant gynecologic conditions that significantly impact their quality of life. These include:
- Uterine fibroids (noncancerous growths in the uterus causing heavy menstrual bleeding, pressure, or pain)
- Endometriosis (tissue similar to uterine lining growing outside the uterus)
- Adenomyosis (when the uterine lining grows into the muscular wall of the uterus)
- Uterine prolapse (when the uterus slips into the vaginal canal)
- Abnormal bleeding unresponsive to conservative treatment
- Pelvic pain or chronic pelvic pain without another treatable cause
- Gynecologic cancers (such as uterine cancer)
Hysterectomy may be a life-saving solution in cases of cancer or uncontrollable excessive bleeding. However, for many women, there are other ways to manage symptoms and maintain their uterus.
Have more questions?
Why Would I Choose a Hysterectomy Alternative?
There are several valid reasons to explore hysterectomy alternatives:
- Preserve fertility: Women who want to become pregnant in the future may wish to avoid uterus removal.
- Avoid early menopause (only in the case of removal of ovaries): When the ovaries are removed, hormone levels drop suddenly, which can trigger menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.
- Minimize surgical risks: Even with advanced laparoscopic surgery, hysterectomy is a major operation and carries risks like infection, bleeding, and injury to nearby pelvic organs.
- Preference for less invasive treatments: Many women prefer to try non-surgical or minimally invasive options before considering organ removal.
Oophorectomy
An oophorectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both ovaries. Surgical removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries is called salpingo-oophorectomy. An oophorectomy is most commonly used to treat ovarian cancer, but it can also be used to treat different types of cancer that have spread to the ovary. Learn more.
Alternatives to Hysterectomy
Today, there are several medical and surgical options that can treat the underlying cause of your symptoms while preserving the uterus.
Medical Treatments
- Hormonal treatments: These include birth control pills, hormone-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs), or hormone therapy to manage conditions like endometriosis, adenomyosis, or heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Help manage pelvic pain and reduce inflammation.
- Iron supplements: For women experiencing abnormal bleeding and at risk of anemia.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Endometrial Ablation: A procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus to reduce or stop menstrual bleeding. This option is not suitable for women who want to become pregnant.
- Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) or Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): A procedure that blocks the blood flow to fibroid tumors, causing them to shrink and symptoms to improve.
- Myomectomy: A surgical procedure that removes uterine fibroids while leaving the uterus intact, preserving fertility.
- Laparoscopic surgery: A less invasive surgical method to treat conditions like endometriosis or remove fibroid tumors through small incisions.
Each alternative comes with benefits and limitations, and your doctor at Maiden Lane Medical will help you decide what’s most appropriate based on your symptoms, goals, and overall health.
The Maiden Lane Medical team offers a wide range of cutting-edge surgical options, including:
- Endometrial ablation
- Uterine artery embolization (UAE)
- Myomectomy
- Radical resection
- Tubal ligation
These treatments can correct the root cause of issues like excessive bleeding, pelvic pressure, and pain by removing scar tissue, uterine lining, or abnormal growths like fibroid tumors while leaving your uterus intact.
Are Hysterectomies Recommended?
At Maiden Lane Medical, our approach is always to consider the least invasive and most effective treatment first. While hysterectomies are safe and highly effective for certain conditions, there may be other treatments that can resolve the issue.
Because the procedure is permanent, it’s essential to weigh the risks and benefits carefully. Our experienced gynecologists prioritize patient education, empowering you to make informed decisions with confidence.
Your Ovaries and Fallopian Tubes – Friends or Foes?
Most ovarian cancer kicks off in, well, your ovaries, right? Wrong, actually, and there’s an operation you can get to slash the risk — though it comes with a price. Read on to find out if it’s the right call for you.
Your Health, Your Choice: Explore All Options with Maiden Lane Medical
Facing a possible hysterectomy can feel daunting, but knowing that you have options can offer both relief and empowerment. With advancements in gynecologic care, many women can now address symptoms like abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, uterine fibroids, or uterine prolapse without undergoing major surgery.
At Maiden Lane Medical, located in New York City, we specialize in helping women navigate these important decisions. Our team provides personalized care with the latest non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments to address your symptoms while preserving your overall well-being.
Take control of your reproductive health. Schedule a consultation with us today to explore your options for hysterectomy alternatives.
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Our doctors who provide this service
Emily Blanton, MD
Focused Practice Designation in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
Janette Davison, MD
Focused Practice Designation in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
Kenneth A. Levey, MD MPH FACOG FACS
Focused Practice Designation in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
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