Common Questions by OBGYN Associates of Warren Patients:
What is a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman’s uterus, or womb, the body part responsible for producing the monthly menstrual flow, cradling and nourishing a fetus and aiding in the delivery of a baby.
Why would the uterus need to be removed?
A patient might undergo a hysterectomy if she has been diagnosed with a gynecologic condition harmful to her uterus or the surrounding reproductive organs. If the patient has cancer of the uterus or ovaries, this operation may save her life. In other cases, a hysterectomy is an elective procedure and the operation is done to improve the overall quality of life: to relieve pain, heavy bleeding or other chronic discomfort.
How common are hysterectomies?
Hysterectomies are very common. In fact, every 10 minutes, 12 hysterectomies are performed in the United States.[i] After cesarean sections, they are the most frequent surgical procedures among reproductive-aged women, with one in three women in the U.S. having had one by the age of 60.
How is the need for a hysterectomy determined?
If a doctor has diagnosed a patient with a gynecologic condition, he or she will likely order additional tests to determine whether a hysterectomy is necessary. These tests include blood samples, a complete pelvic exam, an up-to-date pap smear and a pelvic ultrasound.[i] Depending on the severity of the condition, a hysterectomy might be required.
Are there different types of hysterectomies?
Based on the patient’s condition, a doctor will recommend one of three types of hysterectomy: total, subtotal or radical.
- Total hysterectomy: A total hysterectomy, sometimes referred to as a simple hysterectomy, removes the entire uterus and the cervix (the top part of the vagina). Total hysterectomies can be performed in the case of uterine and cervical cancer. This is the most common type of hysterectomy.[i]
- Subtotal hysterectomy: If the reason for the hysterectomy is to remove fibroids, treat abnormal bleeding or relieve chronic pelvic pain, it may be possible to remove only the uterus and leave the cervix. This procedure, known as a subtotal hysterectomy (or partial hysterectomy), removes the least amount of tissue from the uterus and the opening to the cervix remains intact.
- Radical hysterectomy:Radical hysterectomies are performed on women with cervical cancer or endometrial cancer. Because the spread of cancer is unpredictable, a radical hysterectomy removes the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, lymph nodes, lymph channels and tissue in the pelvic cavity that surrounds the cervix.
What is Essure?
Essure is a proven, non-surgical, hormone-free permanent birth control procedure that works with your body to prevent pregnancy.
How effective is Essure?
Essure is 99.8% effective,* the highest of any form of permanent birth control.
How long has Essure been available?
Approved by the FDA in 2002, Essure is trusted by more than half a million women and their doctors worldwide.
What are the benefits of Essure?
Essure is the most effective* permanent birth control available, offering benefits no other birth control ever has:
- No surgery—the simple, ten-minute procedure can be performed in the comfort of a doctor’s office
- No slowing down to recover
- No anesthesia necessary
- No hormones—a more natural birth control method
- Peace of mind—your doctor will confirm when you can start relying on Essure for permanent birth control
- Trusted by over half a million women and their doctors since 2002
- Covered by most insurance providers
*Based on four years of clinical data.
