Partial Hysterectomy

Partial hysterectomy refers to the removal of the body of the uterus leaving the cervix intact. The value of this procedure is that the nerves and blood vessels that supply the lower portions of the pelvis and vagina are preserved.

A not infrequent sequella of total hysterectomy is actual prolapse of the vaginal vault in later years. Therefore when I must of necessity perform Hysterectomy, I recommend a supracervical or subtotal hysterectomy. I also believe it is wise to preserve ovaries whenever possible. Even postmenopausal women have some function in their ovaries.

Although a Partial Hysterectomy can be less shocking to a woman's system than a total hysterectomy, it can still be accompanied by rather severe after effects. For example, even though your ovaries are still intact, the sudden cessation of menstruation can change the hormone levels in the body causing menopausal symptoms and early menopause.

Partial Hysterectomy Side Effects

When a uterus is removed, even if the ovaries are left in tact, the blood flow to the ovaries significantly decreases making it harder for them to maintain proper hormone levels. For this reason many women who may have had low bone density to begin with can develop are more likely to develop osteoporosis after the surgical removal of her uterus.

There are also many sexual side effects that come from undergoing any kind of hysterectomy. Many doctors claim that as long as the ovaries are left in tact, then there is no reason for a woman to have a decreased libido after a hysterectomy. However, studies show that partial hysterectomies can decrease hormone levels and this, in turn, will decrease a woman's libido. Many women also say that sex is often painful after for them after they have undergone the surgery. This, understandably, can significantly lower their sex drive.