Do I remove just the fibroids or also remove the uterus?

Deanelia A. - posted on 07/26/2012

It is really your choice at this point. I was 51 and had been having horrible bleeding for the last 10 years - with bleed through whenever I stood up (whether new pad or not). I tried the hormone balancing thing - didn't work for me. I went to my doctor, who did an internal ultrasound and found some fibroids and a polyp or two, and gave me my choice of a D&C (which I had already had about seven years previously), a partial hysterectomy (just taking out the uterus), or a full hysterectomy (taking the ovaries also). I was ready for it all to just be over with, so I selected a full hysterectomy and am grateful I did.

Turns out I also had adenomyosis - which is basically internal endometriosis (simple explanation). I also elected not to take HR. I had about six months of hot flashes, but that was it - not unexplained hair growth, etc. I am now 58 years old, and feel so much better than I did before the surgery. Took me about six weeks to feel "normal" after the surgery.

You are the one who knows your body the best, and only you can decide what option is best for you.

Christina - posted on 07/20/2012

With uterine artery embolization the uterus is left, the ovaries are left. The fibroids shrink and die where they are because their blood supply is cut off. Having this procedure gave me my life back.

Jaret - posted on 07/19/2012

Oh my, OH MY! Don't take the fibroids out and don't take the uterus out! Fibroids are a side-effect of your hormones being out of balance! Balance your hormones and your fibroids will take care of themselves!
I had a few fibroids and was considering my options for having them removed when a friend of mine told me her uterus was FILLED with them. So much so that the doctors told her she had NO CHOICE but a hysterectomy (3 different doctors told her this). Still wanting children she saw a holistic doctor who told her what I what I said above! That fibroids are a SIDE EFFECT of your hormones being out of balance. He put her on natural remedies (ie: plants) and within 6 months her regular doctor confirmed that the uterus that had been "filled" with fibroids was now CLEAR and healthy.
I used the same doctor, took the herbal remedies for approx 2-3 months and same thing: all my fibroid symptoms disappeared (heavy periods and cramping) and added bonus - I even lost a few pounds because my hormones were back in balance! Soon afterwards my doctor confirmed my fibroids were gone.
It scares me to think of all those doctors who are telling women their only option is a hysterectomy when other options are available. =/
Don't know where you live but please try to find a recommended holistic doctor in your area. I know mine can do long distance consultations (I am in NY) so contact me if you would like his information!
And good luck!

Chaya - posted on 07/05/2012

Unless you have a family history of feminine cancers, just take the fibroids out. Sometimes less is better, you'd likely have a much faster recovery. I know with my knee surgery, it took about six months to recover, had they amputated it, I'd probably still be recovering. I got considerable pain relief simply by having the tumor removed. My doctor wanted to amputate, he thought I'd need the leg amputated because the tumor was benign, but it was cutting the circulation off. I know it's not the same, but for me, the less invasive surgery was a better choice

Christina - posted on 07/05/2012

I had problems with uterine fibroids for about 20 years. They put my uterus at the size of a five month pregnancy. I finally had something done about them after years of heavy bleeding, terrible pain, light headedness, and exhaustion. When it became so bad that I thought I'd need a blood transfusion from all the blood loss, I looked into doing something about it. I didn't have a life really. I researched, talked with other women and didn't want to lose my uterus if I didn't have to. Finally decided on a newer procedure called uterine artery embolization. This cuts off the blood supply to the fibroids killing them. The doctor told me the uterine receives blood from another source as well and so that wasn't a worry. They only give the procedure to certain women who fit a healthy profile however. They too warned me about early menopause, but at the time I already was 46 and had two grown children. 4 years later I rarely have a period, but this occured only in the past year. Immediately after the procedure my periods reduced to normal. I'm soooo glad I had it done because it gave me back my life. The doctor told me before hand that my iron level was dangerously low. Guess that's why I was always tired. I'd do it again in a heart-beat.

Janice - posted on 06/27/2012

Nissa, your best bet is to get other opinions. You're right that many docs are in it for the money and you really want the best advice from a caring professional. I've fibroids myself and they have been symptomatic but also had 2 operations to remove them. I have 2 children which I was blessed with after the surgerys. You also need to weigh if want to try for kids or if you're content with your adoptees. If you are thinking of uterine extraction, leave the ovaries as that is what brings on menopause in the absense of them.

Seems like you'll have a lot to think about, but if you're having heavy bleeding, the risk of declining health is greater as you approach your 50's. I hope you make the best decision for you and are not herded into one whichever way. You want one with no regrets.

All the best!

Janice