January 8, 2024
For many women, living with fibroids is a constant battle with pain and other symptoms that impact their quality of life. Unfortunately, too many women are being referred for a hysterectomy as a way to treat their symptoms and remove their fibroids.
Did you know that Australia has one of the highest rates of hysterectomies in the developed world? According to data from the OECD, Australia performs 330 hysterectomies per 100,000 women, which they remark as being quite high compared to other countries they collect data on.
Even in the 21st century, hysterectomies are still a viable treatment option for women suffering from a range of uterine conditions, including fibroids. But is it the only option? Certainly not.
In this article, we look at the pros and cons of a hysterectomy for treating fibroids, because even though there are alternatives, a hysterectomy can still make sense for some women.
➡️Featured Resource: The Comprehensive Guide to Fibroids
What are Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids (called leiomyomas) are a common, benign growth in the uterus, made up of muscle and connective tissue from the uterine wall. Fibroids can grow in a single node (that is, by itself) or in a cluster. Most clusters vary in size between 1mm and 20cm in diameter. In some extreme cases they can grow to the size of a watermelon.
Fibroids can distort the lining of the uterus, leading to heavy or abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, and iron deficiency anaemia. Very large fibroids can also put pressure on the surrounding organs, causing pain and bloating as well as bladder problems.
What is a Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure that either partially or completely removes the uterus.
It requires a short hospital stay and a recovery period that can take up to 6 weeks.
In recent years, thanks to the growth in non-invasive or uterus-preserving treatment options for uterine conditions, many women now have the choice between a hysterectomy and another treatment option.
The Pros of a Hysterectomy for Fibroids
It completely removes fibroids and prevents them from returning
The major benefit of having a hysterectomy is that it will completely remove your fibroids, and prevent them from returning. For women with severe symptoms, a hysterectomy can sometimes be the best course of action due to it’s ‘completeness’ in treating fibroids.
It provides relief from the painful symptoms of fibroids
Unsurprisingly, women who have a hysterectomy report a significant reduction in pain and other symptoms caused by fibroids. Compared with other treatment options, such as myomectomy, hysterectomy provides the greatest relief from symptoms.
It can provide a mental health boost
As symptoms are reduced, and the stress that can be caused by the symptoms is also reduced, women report an improvement in their mental health and wellbeing.
It removes the risk of uterine cancer
While not directly tied to fibroids, a full hysterectomy eliminates the risk of uterine cancers developing. Some women place an emphasis on this benefit and can help offset some of the cons of a hysterectomy.
The Cons of a Hysterectomy for Fibroids
It is considered a major surgery
All surgery comes with risks, and major surgery such as a hysterectomy is no different.
It is estimated that 3% of women will have a major complication as a result of their hysterectomy, and these include hemorrhage, bowel injury, bladder injury, pulmonary embolism, adverse reactions to anesthesia, wound dehiscence, and hematoma.
It removes your choice to start or continue a family
Removal of the uterus completely removes your ability to fall pregnant. This is often a major consideration for women looking into the possibility of having a hysterectomy and is often the reason they choose another treatment option.
It requires extended recovery time
Not only will you need to stay in the hospital after the procedure (up to 3 days) you will also experience a recovery period of up to 6 weeks once you are discharged.
It comes with long-term side effects
While not all women will experience all of these side effects, it is important to be aware of them:
- Early menopause
- Prolapse
- Incontinence
- Sexual dysfunction
- Constipation
- Coronary heart disease.
The Alternatives to a Hysterectomy
There are plenty of alternatives to a hysterectomy for treating fibroids, but our preferred treatment option is uterine fibroid embolisation, or UFE for short.
This minimally invasive treatment uses a blocking agent, delivered through a catheter that is inserted into a tiny incision in your wrist or groin, to cut off blood supply to the affected areas. As blood supply is reduced, fibroids will shrink and die.
We prefer this treatment to a hysterectomy because:
- It has a high success rate in reducing symptoms - over 95%.
- It is minimally invasive and suitable for women who can’t have general anesthetic.
- Recovery time is much shorter than a hysterectomy, with most women back to full health after a week.
- It may improve fertility and keeps your uterus intact.
What Happens if Fibroids Go Untreated?
Even though there are multiple treatment options, not all women need to have fibroids removed. For some, medication to manage the pain can be enough.
If left untreated, however, fibroids do tend to grow in both size and number, and usually brings about a worsening of symptoms.
For this reason, if you have been diagnosed with fibroids, you should consider all treatment options, including surgical intervention.
So, is it Best to Have a Hysterectomy For Treating Fibroids?
The short answer is no, purely because there are so many alternatives, however, the perfect treatment for each patient is dependent on many factors. So while hysterectomies do still have their place, and are a viable option for some women, advances in non-invasive treatments provide most women with a highly suitable alternative.
