A new study from the University of Rochester Medical Center found that younger patients who undergo hysterectomy for conditions like uterine fibroids are more likely to experience remorse after surgery.
In the study that compared patients under 30 to those aged 31-49, researchers found surgical regret was over than three times higher in younger patients. Loss-of-fertility regret was also significantly greater in the younger group, (nearly 40%) compared to older patients (13.4%)
The study followed over 200 women who had hysterectomies for non-cancerous conditions, including fibroids, and found that younger patients, especially those dealing with chronic pelvic pain, were more likely to express they wished they had chosen a different treatment.
Hysterectomies are the most common surgical procedure to treat women with uterine fibroids, with 600,000 performed annually in the United States. Research indicates that hysterectomies are often not medically necessary in a variety of conditions, particularly when considering the potential long-term risks associated with the surgery.
These findings highlight the need for thorough patient counseling and discussion of less invasive options like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), which preserves the uterus.
Increased awareness of alternative treatments allows patients to make informed choices that better align with their long-term health and family planning goals.
Resources for Women’s Health
The Fibroid Fighters Foundation is a national non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness, providing support, advocating for improved healthcare options, and empowering women to take control of their health when facing fibroids.
Learn more about uterine fibroids on the Fibroid Fighter’s resource page. For the latest news on women’s health, follow us on www.instagram.com/fibroidfighters.
Call (855) 455-5262, or email us at [email protected] for any questions about fibroids and treatment options.
To read the full study on regret in younger patients about their hysterectomies, click here.
