A hysterectomy is an operation performed to remove the uterus and sometimes the cervix and ovaries. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than half a million hysterectomies are performed each year, making it the second most commonly performed surgery on women. Dr. William M. Jamieson M.D., a gynecologist with offices in Cincinnati, OH, and Mason, OH, performs hysterectomies as well as other gynecological surgeries to improve the health and lives of women in the area.

Pros Of A Hysterectomy

If you are suffering from a condition that causes uterine problems such as bleeding, bloating, and malaise, a hysterectomy can relieve this discomfort. However, most gynecologists will want to try more minimally invasive procedures first.

A hysterectomy can also help reduce the risk of cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, women who have either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene defects have a 45 to 65% chance of developing ovarian cancer, compared to the 1 percent of women who do not have these genes. For this reason, many women now elect to have a hysterectomy as a preventative measure.

Cons Of A Hysterectomy

As a hysterectomy will remove a woman’s fundamental organs, this can lead to physical and emotional side effects post-surgery. You might develop postoperative depression, insomnia, loss of appetite, or a sense of hopelessness. Each woman can experience different symptoms as she comes to terms with the loss of these organs.

A total hysterectomy, which involves removing the uterus and the ovaries, will cause a loss of estrogen and progesterone. This will cause you to develop menopause symptoms if you were not already in menopause, and can cause an increase in symptoms if you were. Besides a change in hormones, a hysterectomy—like any surgery—poses its own risks, including bleeding and infection, damage to nearby tissue, and bladder and intestinal changes.

To determine if a hysterectomy is right for you, contact Dr. William M. Jamieson today. Schedule an appointment with this Cincinnati gynecologist by calling (513) 241-7744. You can also learn more about other gynecological surgery options by visiting his website or following him on Facebook.