Hysterectomies are performed to treat a number of gynecological conditions. They eliminate the source of the problem, so they are effective in most cases. But it is important to give careful consideration to having a hysterectomy. The procedure has several potential side effects. These include the following:

* Women who have hysterectomies tend to go through menopause a few years earlier (if they haven’t already been through it). This is thought to be due to diminished blood supply to the ovaries. If the ovaries are removed, menopause will begin right away. Symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, decreased energy and night sweats.

* Hysterectomies are associated with increased risk of certain health problems, especially when done prior to menopause. This is due to a decrease in estrogen. Some of the health problems that become more likely include cardiovascular disease, arthritis and osteoporosis.

* Sexual dysfunction sometimes occurs after a hysterectomy. Vaginal lubrication is often reduced, and uterine orgasm is no longer possible in those who had it before. A decrease in sexual desire and enjoyment is also fairly common, especially if one or both ovaries are removed. Pain during intercourse may also occur.

* A variety of urinary problems can develop after a hysterectomy. The bladder or urinary tract could be injured during the procedure, possibly requiring further surgery. Bladder and kidney infections after a hysterectomy are common. And in rare cases, sensory nerves could be cut and you could lose bladder sensation or control.

* Weight gain is somewhat common after a hysterectomy. There is some debate as to the reason for this. Some say it is a result of changes in hormone levels, while others blame it on the inactivity required during recovery.

* Some women face depression or other emotional problems following a hysterectomy. Hormones can play a role in this, but it is often triggered by loss of the ability to reproduce.

* As with any surgery, complications are possible during a hysterectomy. Anesthesia could cause breathing or heart problems, too much bleeding could occur, or adhesions could form. These complications are rare, but it is important to know about them beforehand.

A hysterectomy is major surgery, and it should not be taken lightly. Other, less invasive treatments are available for many of the conditions for which hysterectomies are performed, and it is important to consider them. But in some cases a hysterectomy is the best or only solution.

If you do need a hysterectomy, many of its side effects can be treated or prevented with hormone therapy. There are also medications and natural remedies that can provide relief from some hysterectomy-related problems. Your doctor can help you find the best course of treatment for hysterectomy side effects.

A period calendar is a great way to keep track of your menstrual cycle, ovulation, and the side effects of your period.  The simplest period calendar is just that; you write down your period every month and eventually can determine your cycle and predict when your period will be (usually within a day or so, depending on how regular you are). 

Start by marking the first day of your period as day one and keep count from there.  A standard cycle is 28 days with ovulation occurring on about day 14.  As you keep track, you may find that your cycle is shorter or longer.  While most women have a cycle close to 28 days, it’s not uncommon to have a much longer cycle.  You may also find that yours is not regular, meaning it varies in length from month to month.  Many things, especially stress, can change your monthly cycle, but many women naturally have irregular cycles, especially when they first start menstruating.

Tracking your monthly cycle will not only help you know your period is coming ahead of time, it can also help you when it comes to birth control.  If you make some additions to your calendar, like pelvic discomfort and discharge, you can accurately predict when you’re going to be ovulating.  That means you can use extra protection or abstain from sex during that time of the month. 

This method, called the timing method, is not very effective in preventing pregnancy, but many times that is because it is not used properly.  You must use extra protection or abstain from sex before and during your monthly ovulation.  This method also isn’t effective if your cycle isn’t regular.

While many people use the period calendar to prevent pregnancy, it is also commonly used by those trying to get pregnant.  By knowing when you’re going to ovulate, you can time your most fertile window more accurately.  In this case, you may also want to use your calendar to track your core body temperature.  Just like with preventing pregnancy, this is not as effective if your cycle is not regular.  If you have trouble getting pregnant while using this method, you may find it helpful to purchase fertility monitors.

Besides being able to predict your period and ovulation, a period calendar can also help you track the undesired side effects of your period like premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or the more serious disorder premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).  By tracking things like physical discomfort or pain, mood swings, anxiety, and other physical and emotional conditions, you may be able to identify one of these problems.  With your help, your doctor can accurately identify and treat your specific problem.

By keeping a period calendar, you can not only be prepared for your period ahead of time, you can also start to take control of your cycle and everything associated with it.

 

A hysterectomy is defined as the surgical removal of the uterus. There are two common types of hysterectomy: full and partial. A full hysterectomy involves removing the entire uterus including the cervix, while in a partial hysterectomy the cervix is left intact. Sometimes the ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed at the same time as well, but this is considered a separate procedure.

Full hysterectomies are the most common kind, but there have been arguments in recent years that a partial hysterectomy is better. Here are some of the arguments in favor of partial hysterectomies:

* Some doctors claim that leaving the cervix intact reduces the risk of uterine prolapse. They say that removing the cervix damages the supports of the vagina, making prolapse more likely.

* Studies have shown that there is less likelihood of sexual dysfunction in women who have had partial hysterectomies compared to those who have had full hysterectomies. Women who’ve had partial hysterectomies have reported greater sexual satisfaction and more frequent intercourse and orgasm than women who’ve had full hysterectomies.

* If there is no problem with the cervix itself, many surgeons prefer to leave it intact. They reason that there is no point in surgically removing it just because there is a problem with the rest of the uterus.

Proponents of full hysterectomies dispute these claims, citing a lack of evidence. They also argue that a full hysterectomy eliminates the possibility of developing cervical cancer. This could be a concern for those who have had their uterus removed due to cancer.

Removal of the Ovaries and Fallopian Tubes

In most cases, if there is no problem with the ovaries and fallopian tubes, they are not removed. This is because the ovaries are responsible for hormone production. Leaving them intact prevents the onset of menopausal symptoms immediately after surgery. Still, having a hysterectomy usually means that you will go through menopause a few years earlier than you otherwise would have, unless of course you have already been through it.

Leaving the ovaries and fallopian tubes does leave the possibility of the development of ovarian cancer after the hysterectomy. The hormones produced by the ovaries also heighten the risk of breast cancer in some predisposed individuals. If you have an increased risk of these cancers, your doctor may talk to you about going ahead and removing the ovaries during the hysterectomy.

Whether a full or partial hysterectomy is best depends on each woman’s individual situation. In some cases, the entire uterus and the ovaries are damaged and everything must be removed. In others, just removing the upper part of the uterus is sufficient. It is important to discuss your options with your doctor in order to determine which procedure is right for you.