Oct
A hysterectomy is a necessary gynecological surgery for many women. However, even though the procedure is safe and common, there are many misconceptions about what to expect following the surgery. Dr. Taryll Jenkins of Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine has been performing hysterectomies for many years. He helps patients understand the implications of the surgery, the recovery period, and changes you’ll feel in your body following the procedure. Here, Dr. Jenkins addresses some of the most common questions and concerns.
Scarring – Not all patients who undergo a hysterectomy will be left with a visual reminder by way of a scar. Hysterectomies can be performed through the abdomen, vaginally, or with a laparoscopic tool. The traditional abdominal method of performing a hysterectomy will leave the largest, most noticeable scar. Typically, this is a very low incision, near the bikini line. However, in some cases a vertical incision will be required. For the other types of surgeries, scarring is minimal or non-existent.
Recovery – The biggest question that women ask about a hysterectomy involves the amount of pain she will feel in the days and weeks following the procedure. Again, individual pain thresholds can vary a great deal. However, those individuals who undergo a laparoscopic surgery typically have less pain than those who have a traditional procedure. Women who have an abdominal hysterectomy can feel pain for three or four weeks following the surgery.
Menopause – Another common question that patients ask is if having a hysterectomy will cause them to enter menopause. Dr. Jenkins indicates that in most hysterectomies, the ovaries will remain after the uterus has been removed. In these cases, a woman should not expect early menopause to start. However, if there was a risk of ovarian cancer and the ovaries were removed, a patient will frequently go into menopause following the procedure.
Sex – While many women are concerned that their intimacy will be negatively affected following a hysterectomy, they often find out that their sex life actually improves because the pain and bleeding are stopped. Dr. Jenkins urges his patients to talk to their physician if they feel uncomfortable or immediately lose interest in sex following the procedure.
For more information about what to expect following a hysterectomy, call the office of Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine today.
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.