Vaginal Hysterectomy in Charlottesville, VA

Expert care for your gynecological health.

Your Path to Relief and Healing

At The Center for Advanced Gynecology, we offer vaginal hysterectomies as a minimally invasive solution for a variety of gynecological concerns. This surgical procedure involves removing the uterus through the vaginal canal and is often recommended for conditions like uterine prolapse, pelvic organ prolapse, or certain benign gynecological diseases.

Unlike an abdominal hysterectomy, a vaginal hysterectomy does not require an external incision, making it a less invasive option with faster recovery times and fewer complications.

Our skilled team is committed to ensuring you feel informed and supported throughout your care journey. Whether you’re addressing persistent discomfort, exploring options for treating benign diseases or seeking relief from symptoms like uterine prolapse, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

How Is a Vaginal Hysterectomy Performed?

When you arrive for your surgery, we’ll focus on making you feel calm, supported, and kept up to date with each step in the surgical process. During the surgery, you will be under general anesthesia, meaning you will be completely asleep with an anesthesiologist helping you to breathe. Once asleep, your legs will be placed in stirrups and an antiseptic solution is used to clean the vaginal area. Your surgeon will first inject local anesthetic medication to reduce post-operative pain. A catheter is placed in the bladder during the surgery. Then the cervix is detached from the vaginal attachments, followed by clamping and cutting the uterine blood supply. Finally the uterus is detached from the fallopian tubes and the ovaries. During the surgery care is taken to make sure the surrounding structures, such as the bladder and urinary tract, remain protected. Once the uterus is removed, the fallopian tubes and ovaries can be visualized and removed as well, if needed.

A vaginal hysterectomy often takes less time and requires a shorter hospital stay than an abdominal or laparoscopic hysterectomy, making it a preferred choice for many patients.

Who Can Benefit From a Vaginal Hysterectomy?

If you’re living with discomfort or health issues that affect your quality of life, a vaginal hysterectomy might provide relief. Common reasons women choose this procedure include:

Pelvic organ prolapse causing pressure or discomfort
Persistent symptoms from uterine prolapse
Treating certain types of benign gynecological diseases such as heavy bleeding
Chronic pain or bleeding
Concerns about precancerous or cancerous conditions of the cervix or uterus

Additionally, this procedure is often considered only when other treatments, such as medication or non-surgical options, haven’t provided sufficient relief.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Your initial consultation will begin with a detailed discussion about your symptoms and medical history. If you're considering a vaginal hysterectomy, we will ask about your experiences with pain, bleeding, and any issues related to conditions like uterine prolapse or pelvic organ prolapse. This conversation helps us understand how your symptoms are impacting your daily life and guides us in tailoring the evaluation to your needs.

Next, a physical and pelvic exam will be performed to assess your reproductive organs. This may include checking for abnormalities in the uterine size, vaginal canal, or surrounding structures. Depending on your condition, additional tests such as an ultrasound may be recommended to evaluate the size and shape of your uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. In some cases, we might suggest advanced diagnostic tools, such as an MRI or hysteroscopy, for a clearer view of any underlying concerns.

Once the examination and tests are complete, we’ll review your diagnosis and discuss whether a vaginal hysterectomy is the most appropriate option for you. We'll also explain other treatment options, such as medication or less invasive interventions. Throughout the process, we prioritize your questions and concerns, making sure you feel supported and informed every step of the way.

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Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology

The Center for Advanced Gynecology, established in 2018, is dedicated to improving your health by offering expertise in various areas, with a specific focus on gynecological care and advanced surgical techniques when surgery is needed.

Our team provides specialized expertise in non-surgical treatment of chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and vaginal, vulvar, and bladder pain.

Since opening our doors, we have recognized the need in our community for more than just specialty care and have a growing practice in routine gynecologic care, cancer screening, Pap smears, menopausal management, hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy, breast care, contraceptive care, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A vaginal hysterectomy involves removing the uterus through the vaginal canal, while a laparoscopic hysterectomy uses small abdominal incisions and a camera for guidance. Both are considered minimally invasive hysterectomies, but the choice depends on your condition and overall health. A Laparoscopic approach allows for visualization of the entire abdominal and pelvic area in the event there are concerns for other conditions such as endometriosis, adhesions, scar tissue, or cysts of the ovaries.

Yes, recovery from a vaginal hysterectomy is faster because it avoids the need for an abdominal incision. Most patients experience less pain, zero to one night in the hospital, and quicker returns to daily activities compared to an abdominal hysterectomy. Typical recovery time is 10-14 days as opposed to 6 weeks with an abdominal hysterectomy.

Depending on your specific condition, the fallopian tubes and ovaries may be removed alongside the uterus, especially if there are risks related to ovarian cancer or other health concerns. Your surgeon will discuss these details with you during your consultation.

While vaginal hysterectomies are generally safe, potential risks include urinary tract injury, bladder injury, or infection. Our skilled team uses advanced techniques to minimize these risks and will discuss the potential risks with you during your consultation.

Recovery involves restricted activity for 2 weeks. Patients are able to return to work or routine activities after 2 weeks, but still need to avoid heavy lifting and sexual intercourse until six to eight weeks after surgery. You'll have follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and to make sure you are healing properly.