Want to know more about a total vaginal hysterectomy? It's a medical procedure where a gynecologist removes a woman's cervix and uterus from the pelvis through the vagina.

Another type of hysterectomy aside from the total vaginal hysterectomy is the abdominal hysterectomy. In the latter, an incision on the abdomen is made through which the uterus is removed.

Comparison between a Total Vaginal Hysterectomy and an Abdominal Hysterectomy

A total vaginal hysterectomy is when the uterus is small enough to be removed through the vagina and if the patient's condition is not cancer-related. On the other hand, an abdominal hysterectomy is performed when the patient's condition is cancer or when the uterus is large in size.

If a woman's ovaries are removed in the surgery then she would experience changes in her hormone levels. The hysterectomy also makes her unable to bear children.

An abdominal hysterectomy is the more common hysterectomy procedure. However, studies show a total vaginal hysterectomy to be the better option and one that should be used whenever possible.

Below are the advantages of a total vaginal hysterectomy when compared to an abdominal hysterectomy:

* Reduced length of hospital stays

* Fewer complications

* Fewer instances of infection and high fever

* Speedier recovery

* No scar as there is no abdominal incision

* Reduced pain after the surgery

Conditions Where a Total Vaginal Hysterectomy is Needed

A total vaginal hysterectomy may be the most effective treatment for the following conditions, although they may also be treated by alternative procedures. A total vaginal hysterectomy is often performed as a last resort:

Fibroids. These can make the uterus bleed excessively and irregularly. These are muscle outgrowths in the uterus that are benign.

Abnormal uterine bleeding. This condition can cause fatigue and anemia or low
blood counts. It's a condition where there is heavy and prolonged vaginal bleeding.

Cervical abnormalities. These include dysplasia (precancerous cells of the cervix), which is treated with a total vaginal hysterectomy when alternative procedures do not work.

Pelvic organ prolapse. The weakening and stretching of the pelvis' ligaments and muscles can make the uterus fall into the vagina.

Chronic pelvic pain. This condition results mainly from scarring between the pelvic organs, although it may also result from the urinary and gastrointestinal systems.

Endometrial hyperplasia. If not treated, the excessive growth of the uterus' lining can lead to cancer.

Preparing for a Total Vaginal Hysterectomy

Below are some of the standard tests that a woman must go through prior to a total vaginal hysterectomy:

* Physical exam

* Electrocardiogram or ECG

* Blood test

* Chest X-Ray

* Pelvic Ultrasound

* Endometrial biopsy if specified by the doctor

Two of the other things a woman must decide on before undergoing a total vaginal hysterectomy are whether or not to have her ovaries removed and whether or not to undergo estrogen replacement therapy.

The following are some of the reasons that a woman may want to have her ovaries removed: ovarian cysts or masses, pelvic pain, or being 45 years or more in age. If the menstrual cycle or a severe case of pre-menstrual syndrome causes migraine or epilepsy then the removal of the ovaries can relieve the pelvic pain and discomfort caused by these.

However. there's benefit to keeping the ovaries. These are natural sources of hormones such as progesterone, testosterone, and estrogen, which can prevent bone density loss and hot flashes. It can also help maintain pleasure in a woman's sexual experience.

Women whose ovaries are taken out may undergo estrogen replacement therapy to maintain the right levels of hormones.