hysterectomy

keki · 05-28-2005, 05:38 AM

Hello everyone, I am new. I have seen some opinions that hysterectomy should be used as a last resort in treating PCOS. I had a tubal ligation years ago so I obviously do not want more children. Would hysterectomy be a good choice for me then? If not, why?
Thanks!

Stacie M · 05-28-2005, 12:03 PM

A hysterectomy is not treatment for PCOS. Whether you have a uterus (or ovaries) or not, you will still have PCOS and the symptoms that go along with it.

I think that polycystic ovarian syndrome is such a misnomer. If people called it Stein-Leventhal and took the focus away from the ovaries, I bet nobody would have hysterectomies for it.

Anyway, there are some women on here who have had hysterectomies and I am sure they could give you more info on the pros and cons, however I believe the general consensus is that it is not a good idea.

Good luck!
Stacie M :-)

oaktreegirl · 05-28-2005, 05:20 PM

I have heard from friends that hysterectomies reduce the sensation of orgasms. Hopefully somebody who's had a hysterectomy would be able to provide you with more information.

Stacey E. · 05-28-2005, 08:53 PM

There are really very few pro's to a hysterectomy. I had one in 2001 because I had tumors growing on the one ovary that I had left. I am very glad that I do not have that pain anymore, however I still have what my Dr. calls phantom pains. They are not fun at all!!!! i would sugest to you to be sure to look at all of your options and definatley wiegh the pro's and CON'S. If you have any questions that I can answer leave me a pm.

MiWolverineMommie · 05-28-2005, 11:18 PM

I too was so hopeful that a hysterectomy would CURE my PCOS but after reading up on it I learned that is does not...

KatCarney · 05-28-2005, 11:34 PM

Quote:

What To Think About
Treatment focuses on managing your PCOS symptoms and preventing long-term complications. There is no known cure for PCOS. Surgery for PCOS may be recommended only if you have not responded to any other treatment for PCOS.

A hysterectomy with or without a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy may be an option, and it may relieve abnormal vaginal bleeding, symptoms of PCOS, and reduce your risk of cancer. However, the cause of PCOS is also related to hormone and metabolic problems that may not be helped by removing your reproductive organs. Depending on your medical history, a hysterectomy for PCOS may not be recommended because of the possible risks and complications from surgery.

Source: http://my.webmd.com/hw/womens_conditions/tw9116.asp

Quote:

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Pelvic Pain
Frederick R. Jelovsek MD, MS
"Last month I had a vaginal hysterectomy due to PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), but the Dr. refused to take out the cysts in my ovaries and didn't take out the ovaries either. The pain is still present and feels like someone is squeezing the ovary really hard. I can't stand it and it affects both ovaries. Birth control pills didn't work. Any suggestions as to what I can do? The Dr. is no help. I'm 36 years old and in pretty good health."

KE

Actually you may be quite surprised to hear that polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is not thought by most physicians to cause any pain at all. In fact insurance companies will not authorize payment for hysterectomy for PCOS. They will authorize it for pelvic pain and I suspect that is what your physician put down on the forms as a diagnosis. This does not mean that women with PCOS do not have pelvic pain, but it questions whether the cause of the pelvic pain is something other than the ovaries.

PCOS affects about 4-7% of women (1) although the incidence can vary by the definition used. Be sure to see our disease profile about polycystic ovarian syndrome and what is usually considered to be part of the syndrome. Pain is not included as part of the definition.

Source: http://www.wdxcyber.com/npain10.htm

Pattyannruss · 05-30-2005, 01:10 AM

Thank you Kat for those links.

Hysterectomy will NOT cure or treat PCOS.
It may relieve specific "symptoms". But in fact it can "cause" more symptoms for many.

Pros... Specific pain area reduction.
No more AF! No cramps!

In a condition called Andenomyosis, your uteris developes Endometreosis of the uterine wall. This is what(or can) cause the severe cramping many deal with each month. Added progestin(like in HRT/BCP or natural) can make this condition worse. It feeds the Andeno.The pain is the uteris having spastic muscle cramps. This condition is traditionally the #1 reason many doctors suggest a hysterectomy.
50% of all women will develope this condition. But only less than 8% have serious complications that make them seek medical care.(Or hysterectomy)

Endometreosis is fed by Estrogen. So again, (BCP/HRT or by natural causes,) excess estrogen can flair this disorder and cause complications like scar tissue(adhesions).
Those adhesions then can bleed with hormonal changes in the body. As they bleed they create a "scab". That scab will bleed again and cause further adhesions. So the longer the problem is left untreated(with reverse hormone treatment) the more damage and infection can develope. Endo can attack other oragans. So if it attacks and attaches to your tubes,uteris or bowel, you will have serious problems. I also had my tubes tied. This is the suspected reason for the hormone problem. The Endo distroyed my right tube and part of my right ovary. This caused the chain reaction. I was then DX PCOS.

I have just recently found a syndrome calle Tubal Ligation Syndrome.

It has the same symptoms of PCOS!!

I have a link in my siggy that anyone here can read up on.
This is where I have gotten my information.

Now, The cons of surgery...

It can take 2 years to recoup.
Your cholesteral and trigliserites can shoot up!(I never had a problem before the surgery)
Loss of sex drive(I use to be a horney toad!)
Vaginal dryness
Dry skin
Skin ages faster
Weight gain(alot of it)
Mental health changes(some good some bad)

There is more but I jsut can't think right now.

Please check out my siggy for more information.

Patty

suzisk8 · 05-31-2005, 03:28 AM

I had to have a hysterectomy with everything removed on Jan 20, 2005, three days after my son's 1st birthday. And boy it was hell, but I had to have it done. If I had waited another year I would of had cervical cancer. Dec 03 I was in extreme pain and bleeding constantly. Anyway, I am still going thru hormone hell. When I get settled I'm going to find a new doc and see what he thinks about what hormone therapy I should be on. I STILL have PCOS. The hair is still there, I still have my bouts of tiredness, and hunger cravings. But I noticed the tiredness and hunger cravings after I started eating bad again. I have been really reading the food labels because I want my son to eat healthy. My skin has gotten drier, but not that much. Also, I am depressed, but that is beccause I am off my Prozac, and still dealing with the grief associated with the death of my husband. I am feeling great otherwise.

Ok, the next line is a bit too personal, so TMI< TMI
Well, because I am a widow, I don't have a SO to test the sexual waters. But yes, there is a difference in the orgasams. When(oh gawd, I can't believe I'm saying this!!!) I self pleasure myself it does happen. To me, it's different, but not. It's amazing how your cervix and uterus play in the sexual experience.

So, like PCOS, everyone has different symptoms, outcomes with a hysterectomy.
Would I do this if I didn't have the pre cervical cancer? Probably not. Because I believe that only in extreme cases that it should be done. And I do have a little regret because if the Lord blesses me with another husband, I know he may want children of his own. The only good thing about the hyst is that no more extreme bleeding and pain. So for the first time in about 20 yrs, I am able to buy cute colored panties. HEHE!