It would be logical to think that if a woman’s womb is removed after hysterectomy, she won’t be able to conceive a pregnancy or bear children. However, women who have performed a hysterectomy operation are still capable of having their own biological children! All that is required is a little extra help with the aid of egg freezing process and IVF surrogacy.
It is worth mentioning that according to the National Women’s Health Network, hysterectomy is now the second most commonly performed surgery on women in the United States. Around 500,000 women undergo hysterectomy every year in the US alone. Since the uterus is where the baby gestates, and hysterectomy poses the risk of removing the uterus, the surgery renders women unable to carry a pregnancy.
In the rare case where a woman conceives pregnancy after hysterectomy, known as ectopic pregnancy, life-threatening dangers may arise.
With so many women having to face this hindrance to become a parent, it is wise to be well aware of the available solutions. Let us understand how it is possible to have your own children even after hysterectomy surgery.
What is a Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy refers to the surgical removal of a woman’s womb. The surgery usually removes the whole uterus. In cases, doctors may remove fallopian tubes and ovaries as well. Once a hysterectomy is done, you will no longer have menstrual cycles and cannot conceive a pregnancy.
The decision to pursue this procedure is not an easy one, and sometimes, it is not even a choice. However, whether it’s performed due to a cancer diagnosis or pain, this minimally invasive surgery will probably be thoroughly researched before a decision is made.
For example, an emergency hysterectomy may be done in case of excessive bleeding or harmful infection following childbirth that can result in the death of the mother. Generally, women who have been diagnosed with cancer of the ovary, cervix, or womb are good candidates for hysterectomy, as are women with severe endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
There are three main types of hysterectomies:
- A subtotal or supracervical hysterectomy where only the top part of the womb is removed and the cervix is kept in place.
- A total or complete hysterectomy where the cervix and the entire uterus are removed.
- A radical hysterectomy where the whole womb, the cervix, the upper part of the vagina, and the tissue on the sides of the womb are all removed.
What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy, also known as extrauterine pregnancy, is where a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus. After hysterectomy, as there is no womb present to carry the pregnancy, it can lead to life-threatening bleeding, and medical care is needed right away.
In more than 90% of cases of ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants in the fallopian tube known as tubal pregnancy.
Do Your Ovaries Release Eggs After a Hysterectomy?
Your ovaries will continue to release eggs as long as they are left intact and remains functional. Depending on your individual risk, your ovaries may be removed through a hysterectomy procedure called oophorectomy to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Recent research has found that removing only the uterine tubes but keeping the ovaries intact can help decrease the risk of a common type of ovarian cancer that is believed to commence in these tubes. While the choice to keep your ovaries is up to you and your physician to make, it’s advisable to leave them unless removal is totally necessary.
Can I Donate Eggs After Undergoing a Hysterectomy?
Sure, you can still have your eggs retrieved after a hysterectomy. Even though you are not likely to qualify to donate eggs to another person, your fertility center can explore the available options for your IVF cycle.
Can I Have Children Biologically Related to Me?
Yes. As said above, if your ovaries are functioning or you have your young, healthy eggs frozen, you can have children genetically related to you using assisted reproductive technology.
If Your Ovaries are Intact
Your ovarian volume or your antral follicle count would be examined to determine the possibility of a successful retrieval. You will then undergo an ovarian ultrasound to know the condition and location of your ovaries because they may move after a hysterectomy.
Plus, the doctor would examine your hormone levels to know where you’re in your monthly cycle to make sure the ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval are well-timed.
If Your Ovaries are Removed
If the final decision is to have your ovaries removed through a hysterectomy, you can consider the option of retrieving your eggs first to freeze them through cryopreservation technology.
This will probably depend on your age – since you may not be able to make egg donations at age 40 or later, you would want to consider the quality of the retrieved eggs.
If the eggs are 100% healthy, they can be “mixed” with your partner’s or donor’s sperm or frozen for future use. The resulting embryos can then be cryopreserved and stored in the lab until you’re ready to use them to try for a baby using a Gestational Surrogate.
Surrogacy Process After Hysterectomy
It’s advisable to team up with a reputable agency to help you navigate your journey through the surrogacy process when you’re ready to build a family. Your chosen Surrogate will undergo In-vitro fertilization – using either your frozen eggs, frozen embryos, or embryos created with a donor’s sperm.
Conclusion
A hysterectomy is never an easy decision. It’s one that can require a great deal of physical and emotional healing. However, with the right treatment option and adequate support, you can overcome the barriers presented by hysterectomy and can still have a child biologically related to you through surrogacy process.
At Coastal Fertility, we will support you when you are ready and walk you through every single step of the way towards parenthood. Schedule a consultation today to learn how you can have children even after hysterectomy surgery.
You can also explore our website or chat with our team from the comfort of your home.
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