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20
Oct
The reasons for having a hysterectomy are explained by Dr. Taryll Jenkins, a gynecologist in Katy, TX
Several medical conditions can lead to the need for a partial or total hysterectomy. Most people have heard the term “hysterectomy” or know someone who has had this surgical procedure but aren’t sure what the procedure is, what it involves, or why it would need to be performed.
Below, the reasons for having a hysterectomy are explained by Dr. Taryll Jenkins, an experienced gynecologist in Katy, TX. He and his associates at Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine provide high quality, compassionate care for women with medical conditions requiring this procedure and can consult with you about whether the treatment is the right solution for your medical issues and any questions or concerns you have.
What is a hysterectomy and what does it involve?
A hysterectomy is a procedure that removes part or all of a woman’s reproductive organs. Depending on the medical reason for the hysterectomy, some or all of a woman’s uterus may be removed. In some cases, only the upper part of the uterus needs to be removed, which is called a subtotal hysterectomy. For other conditions, a total hysterectomy is performed, which removes the complete uterus and cervix. In cases of cancer, a radical hysterectomy may be needed, in which all of the uterus, cervix, and upper area of the vagina are taken out, and possibly also the ovaries.
Hysterectomies are surgical procedures that can be performed in several different ways. Historically, the procedure involved creating a surgical cut in the patient’s lower abdomen to remove the organs, but there are now more advanced, less invasive methods that can be used. In a laparoscopic hysterectomy, which is a minimally invasive procedure, a small incision is made in the woman’s belly button and then a very small camera is inserted to guide the removal of the uterus. In a vaginal hysterectomy, the surgeon removes the uterus through the vaginal canal. Recovery from a traditional hysterectomy takes approximately six weeks, while recovery from a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy is approximately two weeks.
Types of medical conditions that may require a hysterectomy
The following types of conditions may lead to the need for a hysterectomy:
- Endometriosis: This painful condition occurs when cells that are normally inside the uterus lining start to grow outside of the uterus on other organs such as the bladder, ovaries, or rectum. Endometriosis can cause a variety of painful symptoms and other issues that affect your quality of life.
- Uterine, cervical, or ovarian cancer: Reproductive cancers of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries may necessitate a hysterectomy to ensure that the cancerous cells are removed from your body.
- Uterine fibroids: These are non-cancerous growths in your uterus that can develop at any time but typically appear during your childbearing years. They vary in size and symptoms, and some women may never notice that they have them. However, some fibroids can cause heavy bleeding, pain or pressure in the pelvis, constipation, and other issues.
- Prolapse of the uterus: In this condition, the uterus moves down into the vagina. It happens because the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments have stretched or weakened and can no longer support the uterus. There are several possible causes for this condition, including pregnancy and childbirth, repeated heavy lifting of objects, chronic constipation or straining, chronic coughing, and being overweight or obese.
- Uterine thickening: Also called adenomyosis, this condition occurs when the cells that line your uterus start taking over the muscle tissues in your uterus wall and cause it to thicken. It is similar to endometriosis and can cause pain, heavy periods, and spotting between your periods.
- Chronic pelvic pain or abnormal vaginal bleeding: There are a variety of other conditions that can cause chronic pain in your pelvic area, abnormal bleeding between periods, or heavy or irregular periods.
Call our office
New patients please call:
855-346-8610
855-346-8610
Existing patients please call:
281-347-2600
281-347-2600
A hysterectomy is not typically the first treatment that is tried for most medical conditions since it is a major surgical procedure and removes some or all of the female reproductive organs. However, if other treatments fail to produce results or you have certain types of cancer, you may ultimately require one to regain your health and quality of life.
Your doctor can evaluate and diagnose your condition and discuss the best treatment options for you. Getting a hysterectomy is a big decision, and experienced gynecologist Dr. Taryll Jenkins is here to guide you through your choices. The team at Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine provides personalized and high-quality care for women at all phases of life. Call 855-346-8610 today to schedule an evaluation.
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We offer general care, gynecology, and obstetrics services that span all
stages of a woman's life. Dr. Taryll L.
Jenkins, MD, received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and his Doctorate of
Medicine from Meharry
Medical College School of Medicine, TN. He completed his residency training at the
University of Texas and Hermann Hospital, TX and is Board-certified from the American College of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, with years of research experience.
Having graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in Biological
Chemistry in 2011, Dr. Stephanie
Roy received her Doctor of Medicine Degree in 2015 from the University of Texas Medical Branch. Today,
she is a leading Board-certified physician who works hard to provide you and your family with
high-quality services. In addition to spending time at the practice, Dr. Roy possesses extensive
volunteer experience in the community. She was also a tutor at the Medical Careers Diversity Program
in 2012 and, since then, has spent her free time volunteering for the St. Vincent’s Clinic.
Dr. Tiffany Ikwuagwu is passionate about caring for the diverse communities in Katy, TX. Having completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Houston, her medical degree at the Baylor College of Medicine, and her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the McGovern Medical School, she worked as principal investigator on a research project with Dr. Nana Ankumah at UT Houston. A member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dr. Ikwuagwu has served in several leadership roles and has made many contributions to the community.
Yara Ramirez, MD, earned her
Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University and her doctorate in medicine from the University
of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, where she also completed her residency. She won the
Resident Teaching Award from UTMB’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for two consecutive
years.
Dr. Ramirez has researched extensively on many obstetrics-related topics. She has been a Junior
Fellow Representative for the UTMB Residency Program and a Medical Student Education Committee
Member at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has volunteered for various local
and foreign community programs. Her fluency in Spanish and French is an asset to her organization.
Nadia Alexander is a Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center. With seven years of experience in women’s health and a focus on obstetrics and ambulatory gynecology (vaginitis, UTI, and vaginal bleeding), she provides quality, compassionate care to patients in various stages of reproductive life. She is fluent in English and Spanish and is the lead contact for our Telehealth service.
