Proudly Part of Privia Health
Vaginal Hysterectomy Near Richmond, VA
Receive specialized care for all aspects of your gynecological health.
Your Path to Relief and Healing
At The Center for Advanced Gynecology, we offer vaginal hysterectomies as a gentle and minimally invasive solution for a variety of gynecological concerns. This procedure involves removing the uterus through the vaginal canal and is often recommended for conditions such as uterine prolapse, pelvic organ prolapse, or certain noncancerous gynecological issues.
Unlike an abdominal hysterectomy, a vaginal hysterectomy does not require an external incision, providing a less invasive approach that can result in faster recovery and a lower risk of complications.
Our experienced and compassionate team is committed to ensuring that you feel fully informed and supported throughout every stage of your care. Whether you are addressing persistent discomfort, exploring treatment options for benign gynecological conditions, or managing symptoms related to uterine prolapse, we are here to guide you with expertise and care at every step of your treatment journey.
How Is a Vaginal Hysterectomy Performed?
When you arrive for your surgery, our priority is to ensure you feel calm, supported, and informed at every stage of the process. During the procedure, you will be under general anesthesia, which means you will be completely asleep while an anesthesiologist monitors your breathing and overall safety.
Once you are fully anesthetized, your legs are placed in stirrups and the vaginal area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution. The surgeon will then inject a local anesthetic to help minimize post-operative discomfort. A catheter is placed in the bladder to manage urine during the procedure. The cervix is carefully detached from the vaginal attachments, and the uterine blood supply is clamped and cut. The uterus is then separated from the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Throughout the surgery, care is taken to protect surrounding structures, including the bladder and urinary tract. If necessary, the fallopian tubes and ovaries can also be removed after the uterus is detached.
A vaginal hysterectomy generally takes less time than an abdominal or laparoscopic hysterectomy and often requires a shorter hospital stay. For this reason, many patients in Richmond, VA prefer it as a minimally invasive option that supports a quicker recovery.
Who Can Benefit From a Vaginal Hysterectomy in Richmond, VA?
If you are experiencing discomfort or health concerns that are impacting your daily life in Richmond, VA, a vaginal hysterectomy may offer significant relief. Women often choose this procedure for a variety of reasons, including:
- 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
This surgical option is typically considered when other treatments, including medications or non-surgical interventions, have not provided adequate relief, making it a carefully selected approach to improve health and quality of life.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Your initial consultation will start with a thorough discussion of your symptoms and medical history. If you are considering a vaginal hysterectomy, we will ask about your experiences with pain, menstrual bleeding, and any issues related to conditions such as uterine prolapse or pelvic organ prolapse. This conversation allows us to understand how your symptoms are affecting your daily life and helps guide a personalized evaluation tailored to your needs.
Following this, a physical and pelvic examination will be conducted to assess your reproductive organs. This may include examining the uterus, vaginal canal, and surrounding structures for any irregularities. Based 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 certain cases, we may suggest advanced diagnostic tools like MRI or hysteroscopy to obtain a more detailed view of any underlying concerns.
After the evaluation and testing are complete, we will review your findings and discuss whether a vaginal hysterectomy is the most appropriate option for your situation. We will also explain alternative treatments, including medications or less invasive procedures. Throughout the entire process, your questions and concerns are a priority, and we ensure that you feel informed, supported, and confident in every step of your care.
Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology
The Center for Advanced Gynecology, founded in 2018, is committed to enhancing your health by providing expertise across a wide range of services, with a strong focus on gynecological care and advanced surgical solutions when surgery becomes necessary.
Our team offers specialized knowledge in the non-surgical management of chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and discomfort affecting the vaginal, vulvar, and bladder regions.
Since our establishment, we have recognized the community’s need for comprehensive care beyond specialty treatments. Our growing practice now includes routine gynecologic care, cancer screenings, Pap smears, menopausal support, management of hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy, breast health, contraceptive counseling, urinary incontinence care, and treatment of pelvic organ prolapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
A vaginal hysterectomy removes the uterus through the vaginal canal, whereas a laparoscopic hysterectomy is performed using small abdominal incisions and a camera for internal visualization. Both procedures are considered minimally invasive, but the best option depends on your medical condition and overall health. A laparoscopic approach allows your surgeon to examine the entire abdominal and pelvic area, which can be helpful if there are concerns about conditions such as endometriosis, adhesions, scar tissue, or ovarian cysts.
Yes, recovery is generally faster following a vaginal hysterectomy because it avoids the need for a large abdominal incision. Most patients experience less pain, spend zero to one night in the hospital, and can resume daily activities sooner than with an abdominal hysterectomy. Typical recovery time ranges from 10 to 14 days, compared to approximately six weeks for the abdominal approach.
Depending on your individual situation, the fallopian tubes and ovaries may be removed along with the uterus, especially if there are concerns related to ovarian cancer or other health risks. Your surgeon will review these options with you during your consultation to ensure the plan is tailored to your specific needs.
Although vaginal hysterectomies are generally very safe, potential risks can include injury to the urinary tract, bladder complications, or infection. Our experienced team uses advanced surgical techniques to minimize these risks and will discuss all potential complications with you during your consultation.
Recovery generally involves limiting physical activity for about two weeks. Most patients in Richmond, VA can return to work or routine daily tasks after this period, but heavy lifting and sexual activity should be avoided for six to eight weeks following surgery. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor healing and ensure that your recovery is progressing as expected.