Every year in the United States, about 600,000 women have a hysterectomy, meaning their uterus is removed through surgery. For some, it is a medical necessity or a life-saving procedure, but for most, the reason is to finally feel relief from years of pain, heavy bleeding, or other uncomfortable symptoms.
It is a bit alarming to know that only about 10 percent of these surgeries are done because of something serious like cancer, and most of the time, the reason is not life-threatening. In fact, the most common reason a hysterectomy is recommended by an OB/GYN is to treat problems caused by uterine fibroids.
Today, we are going to talk about some reasons why hysterectomies are so common, the average age for a hysterectomy, signs you need a hysterectomy, and why women get hysterectomies in their 30s, 40s, and 50s.
Why Are Hysterectomies So Common?
Hysterectomies are so common because removing the uterus can provide relief from symptoms like heavy and prolonged bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure, etc. Heavy bleeding can lead to anemia, which can be life-threatening, but often these types of symptoms can take over a woman’s life and cause her to miss work, interfere with her spending time with her family, interrupt her social schedule, cause emotional stress, and more.
One big reason hysterectomies are so common is that many women are never told they have other, less invasive options. OBGYNs do not perform procedures like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), which can eliminate fibroids and their symptoms without surgery, so they often only offer the treatments they know and perform. Most women believe their OBGYN will walk them through every possible choice and, because of their own lack of knowledge, do not even know the right questions to ask.
To be honest, the type of treatment options you are offered depends a lot on the doctor you see and what they are trained to do. Many women are never referred to specialists who could offer alternative treatments that do not involve surgery. A hysterectomy might be necessary and the right choice for some, but many other women end up having major surgery without knowing they had a safe, effective option that had far fewer risks and a shorter recovery time. Lack of information is one of the biggest reasons why hysterectomies are so common.
Are the Reasons for a Hysterectomy the Same for Women in Their 30s, 40s, and 50s?
The main reason women undergo a hysterectomy is to treat heavy bleeding and other symptoms that are caused by fibroids. The chart below will provide a comparison of the most common reasons for a hysterectomy in the 30s, 40s, and 50s.
to see the entire table
| Age Range | Most Common Reasons | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 30s | Uterine fibroids, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, and sometimes cancer. | Fibroids can develop at any age, but are common during the 20s and 30s, and grow the most quickly during the childbearing years.
Endometriosis is often diagnosed in younger women and can cause sharp pain during periods or sex. Some women also deal with bleeding that lasts for weeks, which can lead to anemia and reduce their quality of life. At this age, your OBGYN may try other treatments, but most only offer temporary relief or will cause sterilization or other serious side effects. |
| 40s | Fibroids, adenomyosis, abnormal periods, endometriosis, cancer, and early signs of uterine prolapse. | Fibroids can develop or grow larger due to a shift in your hormone balance.
Adenomyosis (the lining of the uterus grows into the muscle wall) can cause heavy cramping and painful periods with bleeding that is irregular and too heavy. Some women start to notice symptoms of uterine prolapse, and when the symptoms begin to reduce their quality of life, a hysterectomy becomes more likely to be recommended. |
| 50s+ | Sometimes fibroids (but they are less likely), uterine prolapse, pre-cancer or endometrial or cervical cancer, or postmenopausal bleeding. | After menopause, hormone levels drop, and the pelvic muscles get weaker, so prolapse becomes much more common. Many women in their 50s and 60s undergo a hysterectomy for this reason.
Others may have abnormal cells or early cancer found during screenings. Postmenopausal bleeding is a red flag and often leads to testing, which sometimes ends in surgery. Fibroids may still be present too, though they often shrink after menopause. |
What Is The Average Age For A Hysterectomy?
According to reports published by the CDC, the U.S. average age for a hysterectomy is in the early to mid-40s. Studies that recorded surgical rates found that women aged 40 to 44 had the highest incidence (11.7%) of hysterectomies, and about two-thirds of all hysterectomies are performed on women between the ages of 35 and 54.
The frightening thing about these statistics is that newer research has shown a definitive link between women who have had a hysterectomy and an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, bone loss, and cognitive issues like dementia. The risks rise incrementally the younger you are when your uterus is removed.
What Medically Justifies A Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is medically justified when there is a serious condition that cannot be effectively treated using other methods or when the uterus itself becomes a threat to your health.
Cancer
The clearest reason would be cancers like uterine, cervical, or ovarian cancer, and in those cases, the surgery would be necessary and lifesaving.
Uterine Prolapse
If you are experiencing severe uterine prolapse, a hysterectomy may be necessary, but there are several treatments for uterine prolapse that do not involve a hysterectomy. Non-surgical pelvic floor therapy may help improve mild to moderate prolapse, or sometimes a pessary device (made from silicone or plastic) can be placed inside the vagina to hold the uterus in place. Alternative surgical options that also keep your uterus in place include:
- Uterine suspension
- This surgery lifts and secures the uterus back in place without removing it. It can be done with stitches or a type of mesh fabric and is often done through the vagina or using laparoscopy.
- Colpopexy
- This involves attaching the uterus or its wall to a ligament or bone inside the pelvis to hold it up. It is usually done through small incisions and preserves the uterus.
Many women do not realize they have these choices because not every doctor offers or mentions them. If you are suffering from uterine prolapse, it is a good idea to seek out a pelvic floor specialist who can help guide you through the treatment options and help determine the best one for you.
Heavy Bleeding
Many doctors recommend a hysterectomy to stop severe uterine bleeding caused by fibroids, adenomyosis, and endometriosis, but this is not always the best course of action.
Heavy bleeding and other bulk symptoms caused by fibroids or adenomyosis usually do not get better with medicine and can seriously impact your quality of life, but in most cases, they do not necessitate a hysterectomy. Your OBGYN is not trained to perform it, but there is a procedure called UFE that eliminates fibroids and their symptoms without removing your uterus.
How Do I Tell If I Need A Hysterectomy?
If you have been diagnosed with fibroids or adenomyosis and you have been told you need surgery, contact the Atlanta Fibroid Center and speak to one of our professionals. They will ask you some basic questions and talk with you about uterine fibroid embolization and how it works without removing your uterus to eliminate the symptoms that are holding you hostage.
You may be asking yourself, “If UFE is an option, why do women choose to get a hysterectomy?” The answer is because most of them have never heard of UFE, even though it has been used for over 25 years. Many doctors do not fully understand the procedure or have misinformation about it. For instance, many doctors will advise that if you want to ever have children, UFE is not a good option, but Dr. Lipman has an entire wall of baby pictures and thank-you notes from women who were having issues with fertility and became mothers after their UFE procedure.
Anytime you undergo surgery or have a medical procedure, there are risks for side effects and long-term complications. When surgery or procedures are related to your reproductive system, there is always a chance that it could impact your fertility; however, there is a 100% chance that a hysterectomy will result in the loss of fertility.
The best way to determine if you need a hysterectomy due to fibroids or adenomyosis is to set up a consultation with Dr. John Lipman or Dr. Sima Banerjee at the Atlanta Fibroid Center. Our board-certified interventional radiologists will look at your medical history and carefully review your MRI scan and determine if UFE is an option for you.
90% of the women we see who have been told they need a hysterectomy because of their fibroids are wonderful candidates for uterine fibroid embolization, and now have amazing testimonials. Set up your consultation today and let us help you reclaim your life and keep your uterus.
