Hysterectomy is a general term used for three different procedures. The first is called a total hysterectomy. In this procedure, the entire uterus (including the cervix) is removed. This is the type of hysterectomy that is most often performed.
The second type of hysterectomy that doctors may suggest is a partial hysterectomy. This is also called a subtotal or supracervical hysterectomy. In this procedure, the upper portion of the uterus is the only thing removed. However, the cervix remains.
The third type of hysterectomy performed is a radical hysterectomy. This is the type of hysterectomy that is often used when some types of cancer are present. In this procedure, the entire uterus and cervix are removed.
There are five common reasons that doctors would recommend a hysterectomy. Following are those reasons.
1. Endometriosis
Many with endometriosis will tell you one thing: it hurts. According to the Endometriosis Association, up to 6.3 million American females are affected by this condition.
In the case of endometriosis, endometrium tissue grows in the wrong place (endometrial implant). This tissue normally lines the uterus. But in those with endometriosis, it grows outside of the uterus in places it should not be.