A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus, as well as sometimes other reproductive organs, including the cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. It is possible to undergo a hysterectomy for a variety of reasons, including uterine fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or cancer. The emotional well-being and health of a woman can be significantly impacted by a hysterectomy. Your hysterectomy and its aftermath should be managed by a supportive and personalized primary care provider.
With direct primary care (DPC), patients can access their primary care provider directly, without having to deal with third parties or insurers. Patients who have a DPC pay a monthly, quarterly, or annual fee that covers all or most of their primary care services, including consultations, exams, and care coordination. Unlike traditional practices, DPC practices typically see fewer patients, allowing them to provide more personalized and comprehensive care to each patient.
There are several benefits that DPC can offer you if you are considering a hysterectomy, or have already had one. These benefits include:
There is more time to discuss your concerns, questions, and goals with your primary care provider in DPC practices, since appointments are usually longer and more frequent. You will also receive more attention and follow-up from your provider, and your progress and recovery will be monitored more closely.
DPC practices often offer same-day or next-day appointments, as well as telehealth services, such as phone calls, emails, and video chats. Your provider can be reached whenever you need them, without you having to wait weeks or months, or traveling long distances. You can also save time and money by avoiding unnecessary trips to the emergency room or urgent care.
A flat fee covers most primary care needs, with no billing from insurance companies, copays or deductibles. DPC practices offer greater transparency and affordability. By doing so, you will know exactly how much you are paying for your care, avoiding hidden or unexpected costs. It is also possible to save money by avoiding unnecessary tests, procedures, or referrals that are driven by insurance policies or incentives.
It is possible for DPC practices to coordinate and integrate your care with other providers, including specialists, surgeons, and therapists, who may be involved in your hysterectomy or its aftermath. By communicating and collaborating with them, sharing your medical records and information, your DPC provider ensures that your care is consistent and coherent across the board.
DPC can provide you with many benefits that can help you cope with the physical, emotional, and psychological effects of a hysterectomy. Some of these benefits include:
DPC providers can customize your hysterectomy management to meet your specific needs, preferences, and goals. They can help you prepare for surgery, explain the risks and benefits, and answer any questions you may have. In addition to helping you recover from surgery, they can help you cope with any complications or side effects, and monitor your recovery and well-being. They can also provide you with education, counseling, and support to help you adjust to the changes in your body and life after a hysterectomy.
If you have your ovaries removed during a hysterectomy, you will enter menopause and experience symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and osteoporosis. A DPC provider can prescribe and monitor hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which can alleviate these symptoms and prevent bone loss. Also, HRT can lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia, which may increase after a hysterectomy. Your DPC provider can help you weigh the pros and cons of HRT, and find the best dose and route of administration for you.
Hysterectomy can weaken pelvic floor muscles, which support your bladder, bowel, and uterus. This can result in urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or sexual dysfunction. Through exercises, biofeedback, or electrical stimulation, your DPC provider can help you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. You may also be referred to a pelvic floor physical therapist for more specialized and intensive treatment.
Hysterectomy can affect your sexual health and intimacy in several ways. For example, you may experience discomfort, dryness, or loss of sensation in your vagina, or have difficulty reaching orgasm. Your DPC provider can help you address these issues and improve your sexual health and intimacy, as well as your libido, self-esteem, and body image. They can prescribe medications, lubricants, or devices that can enhance your sexual function and pleasure. They can also provide you with counseling, education, and resources to help you cope with your emotions and communicate with your partner.
A hysterectomy is a major life event that can have lasting effects on your health and well-being. That is why you need a primary care provider who can provide you with personalized, comprehensive, and compassionate care.
DPC can offer you that kind of care, and help you manage your hysterectomy and its aftermath in the best possible way.
As the famous quote by Maya Angelou says,
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
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