Hysterectomy for Pelvic Pain: Everything You Need to Know
If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, you’re not alone. Up to 32% of women worldwide suffer from chronic pelvic pain. We understand it can be challenging to face debilitating pelvic discomfort day after day, especially if it’s been months—or even years. If your pain hasn’t diminished after other treatments, like medication or hormonal therapy, a hysterectomy may be the pain-eliminating treatment you’ve been searching for.
A hysterectomy can improve your quality of life if you live with conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, or severe dysmenorrhea. However, it's a big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. After a hysterectomy, you’ll be unable to have children, which is why this decision can be extremely difficult for many women. This outcome and other side effects of surgery can impact your physical and mental well-being, so it’s important to consider all treatment options.
Learn some considerations for when this choice might be right for treating pelvic pain from our expert—Dr. Gary B. Sullivan. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team if you have any more questions about a hysterectomy and would like to speak with our Dr. Gary B. Sullivan.
What Is a Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus and, typically, the cervix, depending on the type of hysterectomy performed. There are different techniques for hysterectomies, including laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy and total abdominal hysterectomy.
During a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy, four small incisions are made in the abdomen to remove the uterus while keeping the cervix intact. Typically, a laparoscopic procedure is less invasive and reduces recovery time than a traditional abdominal hysterectomy. After the procedure, a woman will no longer be able to have children since a fetus is no longer able to grow inside the uterus.
For many women, this outcome can be difficult to come to grips with, and we recommend you take time to consider all your options. Other side effects of this procedure include weakness of pelvic floor muscles and infection, among other risks that accompany any surgery.
A total abdominal hysterectomy removes the uterus and cervix through an abdominal incision, and recovery depends on incision size and type. Like laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy, you will no longer be able to have children after this procedure, which is why this is such a challenging decision for many women to make. Furthermore, some other side effects associated with this procedure include ureter and bladder damage, infection, and vaginal problems.
It's important to consider all treatment options and side effects of a hysterectomy with your doctor and loved ones, as they can impact your physical and emotional health. If you think it may be right for you, Dr. Gary B. Sullivan performs hysterectomies using these two methods and can offer further insights into which one may be right for you during a consultation.
When Is a Hysterectomy Recommended?
A hysterectomy might be right for you if you’re experiencing chronic pelvic pain over a long period of time. Dr. Gary B. Sullivan only recommends hysterectomy if you have certain conditions that haven’t responded to traditional treatment, including:
Endometriosis
Uterine fibroids
Prolapse of the uterus
Adenomyosis
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
These conditions affect the uterus, which is why a hysterectomy may be beneficial. However, your doctor should perform comprehensive tests to rule out other conditions that may not be improved with a hysterectomy.
How Do I Know If a Hysterectomy Is Right for Me?
If you’re considering a hysterectomy, it’s important to ponder how this procedure may impact your life after. Some questions we recommend asking yourself include:
Have I explored all treatment options?
Does my pain affect my daily life frequently?
Do I want to have a baby?
Who can help me during recovery?
During your consultation, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you may have. We advise choosing a doctor you can speak candidly with and someone who makes you feel comfortable.
Find Relief from Debilitating Chronic Pelvic Pain
Dr. Gary B. Sullivan understands that facing daily pelvic pain can be frustrating, disheartening, and lonely. But our team is here for you. We’re dedicated to helping you find relief from your pain so that you can live your life to the fullest.
Our team will discuss every treatment option with you so you feel confident as you decide. If you have a hysterectomy, we strive to make your experience as comfortable as possible with our state-of-the-art surgical center, experienced team, and minimally invasive techniques.
Are You Experiencing Pelvic Pain? Call Us Today!
Proudly serving Statesboro, AL, Dr. Gary B. Sullivan and his team are here to help you. From pelvic pain and urinary incontinence to annual exams and birth control prescriptions, Dr. Gary B. Sullivan offers numerous services to meet your needs. Call us at (912) 875-0392 or contact us online to schedule an appointment!