A hysterectomy is a surgical process for removing the uterus in females. It is one of the most common gynecological procedures, according to a survey, 3.3% of Indian women have undergone this surgery. This blog will help you to know about natural alternatives to hysterectomy, including non-surgical and surgical options, emotional considerations, lifestyle changes, and factors that help in choosing alternatives.
Hysterectomy is a life-saving surgery and has emotional implications for many female patients who are preserving their fertility or avoiding major surgery. Because the major surgery may create some complications, like torn internal stitches after hysterectomy. Therefore, hysterectomy is not the only option for women, there are also some alternative non-surgical or minimally invasive surgical procedures for a better understanding of women’s health.
What is a Hysterectomy?
As we discussed in the first paragraph of this blog, it is a process to remove the uterus. Hysterectomy is also used for other reproductive organ replacement surgery, like the cervix, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. This is very helpful for women who want to end their menstruation and pregnancy possibilities. There are different types of surgery for hysterectomy, which are mentioned below:
- Abdominal Hysterectomy
- Vaginal Hysterectomy
- Laparoscopic (Minimally Invasive) Hysterectomy
- Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomy
- Supracervical Hysterectomy
- Total Hysterectomy
- Radical Hysterectomy
Non-Surgical Alternatives to Hysterectomy
Here are the procedure, benefits, and risks of the non-surgical process to hysterectomy:
Medication
Basically, medications are used to relieve pain, prevent infection, and reduce the possible side effects.
Medications like NSAIDs are used to reduce inflammation sources like endometriosis or fibroids. These non-hormonal medications are the best options for managing abdominal pain. Your doctor may also prescribe a preventive medication if removing your ovaries is likely to cause early menopause after hysterectomy.
Benefits
- It is an affordable and easily accessible process in non-surgical surgery.
- Reduce the abdominal pain and menstrual discomfort.
- These medications can be used with other treatments.
Risks
- The major drawback of these medications, they provide temporary pain relief.
- Does not target the root cause of the problem.
- Using it daily for the long term may affect some organs like the liver, kidneys, or stomach lining.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one of the trending alternative surgeries after hysterectomy. It is used when the ovaries are removed and protected from the long-term complications of hysterectomy. The doctors are administered in different ways:
- Birth control pills
- Hormonal IUDs
- Injections
- GnRH agonists
Benefits
- It reduces bleeding and pain.
- In some cases, it can help to shrink fibroids and endometrial tissue.
- You can preserve your fertility.
Risks
- Experience some side effects like weight gain, nausea, etc.
- Bone loss and menopausal symptoms may occur.
- It is not a permanent treatment.
Minimally Invasive Alternatives to Hysterectomy
Minimally invasive alternatives to hysterectomy are good options for women who want to avoid major surgery. These surgical options offer effective relief from scary symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and fibroids. Here are 4 minimally invasive alternatives to hysterectomy:
Endometrial Ablation
Endometrial ablation is a medical process that helps to remove the lining of the uterus by using heat, cold, or radiofrequency. It is used to reduce or stop heavy menstrual bleeding. Those women who want to avoid a vaginal hysterectomy surgery can use this alternative surgery.
Benefits
- One of the fastest minimal invasive surgeries.
- Recovery time is also short.
- Helps in reducing periods.
Risks
- Women who have large fibroids face some problems in this surgery.
- It is not a permanent treatment, you may require additional surgery after this.
- This surgery is not for those women who want children.
Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE)
UAE is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to remove uterine fibroids or other uterine conditions. Doctors block the blood supply to the fibroids by injecting small particles into the uterine arteries.
Benefits
- Best option for shrinking fibroids.
- Preserved the uterus.
- Reduce the pressure symptoms.
Risks
- This surgery is not enough to stop fibroids, they can regrow in the future.
- Doctors do not recommend this surgery for women who wish to become pregnant.
Myomectomy
Myomectomy surgery is used to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus. This surgery can be done by hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, or through traditional surgery. These surgery depends on the fibroid’s size, number, and location. Women who like to retain their fertility prefer this surgery.
Benefits
- Using myomectomy, women can keep their fertility.
- Effective for any abdominal pain relief.
- May remove multiple fibroids.
Risks
- Risk of bleeding and infection (which are common in the surgery).
- The surgical method can affect the recovery time.
Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
Dilation and Curettage is a surgical procedure to dilate the cervix and remove the tissue from the lining of the uterus. This surgery is used to treat different conditions that affect the womb, such as abnormal bleeding, partial abortion, and miscarriage.
Benefits
- Best option for treating abnormalities.
- Relief from menstrual or heavy bleeding.
- Safe and secure surgery.
Risks
- It can create the chances of infection.
- Not a permanent solution.
- In rare cases, it may affect the future pregnancy.
Note: Vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) is a cutting-edge minimally invasive gynecologic procedure that combines the advantages of vaginal and laparoscopic techniques.
Emotional Changes after a Hysterectomy Surgery
After hysterectomy may create major changes in women’s health. Women can go through mental disturbance, anxiety, mood swings, etc. According to research, depression highly affects those aged 18 to 35. We cannot say that all women suffer from these changes; some women are very strong and they restart their lives from zero. There are various reasons for becoming emotional after hysterectomy.
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Loss of Fertility
- Grief and Sense of Loss
- Depression
- Body Image Issues
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Anxiety
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Alternative
Here are some factors that help you while choosing an alternative:
- Effectiveness: Choose that alternative which delivers the desired goal and an effective outcome.
- Safety: Consult with your doctor and choose the safe & secure alternative for your problems.
- Cost: Is surgery affordable, and does insurance cover hysterectomy or other invasive surgery?
- Availability: Check out the accessibility of the surgery in your local area or hospitals.
- Compatibility with Personal Values: Choose the option according to your beliefs, fertility plans, and lifestyles.
Aftercare for Alternatives to Hysterectomy
Recovery or aftercare for hysterectomy surgeries is crucial for women. Check out the points that you have to consider after surgery:
- Rest: Avoid the heavy lifting or any strenuous activity for a couple of weeks.
- Pain Management: Take personalized care and painkillers as suggested by your healthcare professional.
- Observe Symptoms: Monitor pain, signs of infection, bleeding, etc.
- Check-Ups: Attend scheduled check-ups and tests for a better health report.
- Diet or Food: Take a proper diet and recovery food for hysterectomy.
Conclusion
Hysterectomy is a vital surgery for women who suffer from bleeding, fibroids, and other gynecological problems. Some women are scared of major surgery, so they can use the alternatives of hysterectomy (non-surgical or minimally invasive surgery). Before going to any surgery, consult with your doctors for better health results.