Hysterectomy Alternatives support groups recovery procedures resources

Before You Have A Hysterectomy
Discover what you need to know before you decide that hysterectomy is the right choice for your condition. Find out how hysterectomy affects your health and sexuality, and learn about alternatives to hysterectomy.

Voices Of Hysterectomy
A supportive forum for women considering hysterectomy, as well as for those who have already had a hysterectomy. Share experiences and advice about life before and after hysterectomy.

Women Talk About Hysterectomy
Discover the facts about hysterectomy in the US. Learn who is most at risk for hysterectomy, and find out what real women who are considering or have had a hysterectomy feel about uterine removal.

About Menopause Forum
If you have had a hysterectomy or are considering it, stop over and join our supportive forum where we discuss hormones, hysterectomy, and menopause.

Questions to Ask Before Surgery
A dozen questions every patient should ask before consenting to any type of surgical procedure, as well as resources for free additional information.

Abnormal Bleeding
Discover the causes for, as well as the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment alternatives for abnormal or excessive uterine bleeding, known medically as menorrhagia.

Adhesions
Discover the facts about causes, diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of adhesions.

Alternatives to Hysterectomy
Learn about options for fibroids, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, chronic pain, and other common uterine conditions.

Androgen Replacement in Surgical Menopause
About Pharmacology Guide Mary Ann Elchisak discusses androgen/estrogen combination therapy after hysterectomy.

Cancer
One of the few times when hysterectomy may be your only option. Resources cover ovarian, uterine, and other types of cancer, as well as symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. 

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Colposcopy Recovery

Answer: Colposcopy recovery is painless, unless you have had a biopsy, LEEP procedure, or Cone biopsy during the procedure. If you've had a colposcopy without these other procedures, you should feel fine immediately after colposcopy.

If, on the other hand, you did have a biopsy during your colposcopy, or the LEEP procedure or Cone biopsy you may experience some aftereffects. These include vaginal soreness or discomfort, vaginal bleeding, or a dark vaginal discharge.

What Happens During Colposcopy

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Hysterectomy Recovery

While each woman who has a hysterectomy may have a unique reaction, there are many changes in the body that are typical among most women. If your ovaries are removed along with your uterus, you may experience hot flashes or other menopause symptoms, as if you were going through "the change." Your doctor may recommend estrogen replacement therapy or another type of medication to relieve your symptoms. If you find that the commonly prescribed synthetic hormones cause too many side effects, you may want to ask your health care provider about bio-identical or natural hormone replacement.

If you're worried that your sex drive might be less than it was before your hysterectomy or that your partner might not find you as appealing. Talk with other women who have had a hysterectomy. You may be surprised to learn that they still enjoy an active and satisfying sex life after hysterectomy. If you do experience a loss of sexual desire or low libido post-hysterectomy ask your doctor about testosterone replacement therapy.
See: Does Testosterone Improve Sex Drive? on our Voices of Hysterectomy Forum

Another important factor to consider is your age. Your potential emotional reaction to hysterectomy is often age-related. Generally, the older you are when you have a hysterectomy, the less emotional reactions you may have in front of you. This is especially true for younger women who have not started or completed their families. Sometimes doctors can find ways to help you manage your condition if you want to become pregnant before the surgery. However, if you need a hysterectomy due to cancer of your reproductive organs, it may not be possible to delay your surgery.

If you still want to have children and you're facing a hysterectomy that cannot be delayed ask your doctor about other alternative parenting options such as surrogacy, adoption, or foster parenting. It also is often helpful for women in this situation to talk with a therapist such as a social worker who can help you to cope, emotionally, with your need for hysterectomy.

As a treatment for noncancerous uterine conditions, hysterectomy is often improves the quality of life for most women. This is often due to the fact that pain or painful symptoms, as well as menstrual issues such as extreme menstrual problems are eliminated by hysterectomy. However, though uncommonly, some women feel worse following surgery and regret the decision to have an elective hysterectomy. Please note that hsterectomy performed for a reason other than cancer or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped by any other method are the only reasons for hysterectomy that are not considered elective surgery by insurance companies in the US.

Ask your doctor to help you sort out your options and weigh the pros and cons of hysterectomy as they relate to your situation. You also may want to talk this over carefully with your family or others who are close to you before making a decision.

You might want to ask your doctor or nurse about joining a support group before or after your surgery or recovery. Talking over your concerns with other women who have had this surgery is often helpful.

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Adapted from the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR)

More About Hysterectomy and Alternatives Updated 11/21/05

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