The “Big C” strikes fear in the hearts of many, and for good reason. Getting an abnormal pap smear or smear test call can be the beginning of a nightmare for many women.

The traditional treatment for this cancer entails a radical hysterectomy, which can lead to bowel, bladder and sexual problems. The side effects compound the misery a woman might already feel upon facing a potentially fatal illness.

Fortunately, such extreme measures may not be necessary. A new study shows that a simple hysterectomy, a far less intensive procedure, is nevertheless a safer, effective option for women with early-stage, low-risk cervical cancer.

Radical versus simple hysterectomy

In the study, researchers divided volunteers into one of two groups. The first group received the traditional radical hysterectomy treatment for cervical cancer, while the other underwent a simple hysterectomy. Results showed that women who underwent simple hysterectomies had similar recurrence rates as those who experienced the more radical procedure.

Why it matters — the difference between radical and simple hysterectomy

In a simple hysterectomy, the surgeon removes your uterus, cervix and fallopian tubes. Depending on your medical and family history, your doctor may or may not remove your ovaries. Keeping them has some benefits, including lowering cardiovascular and other cancer risks. Recovery takes four to six weeks, although you’ll probably be able to resume light activity in a week or two.

Conversely, a radical hysterectomy entails removing the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes and nearby tissue. The more you excise from the body, the greater the risk. For example, the tissues supporting your uterus also affect your bowels and bladder. Women who undergo the procedure may struggle with incontinence. The area is also rich in nerves, which can be damaged during surgery, resulting in sexual dysfunction. However, nerve-sparing techniques reduce the risk.

Nearly all cases of cervical cancer arise from HPV infection, meaning that the underlying cause doesn’t occur from a hormonal imbalance or something inside a woman’s chemistry.

Therefore, researchers questioned whether such radical measures truly reduced the risk of cancer returning. The results of this study strongly suggest that less invasive measures are equally effective while reducing the possibility of undesirable side effects.

Common side effects after a hysterectomy

How does a safe, effective, simple hysterectomy affect women?

People feel various things after the procedure, and your results might not be negative. Here are frequently reported experiences from women who have undergone this treatment.

First, the bad news

Women who equate their worth with their fertility often suffer the most after a hysterectomy.

It’s important to remember you are a complete person — you are not your uterus.

Such individuals need to watch out for the following symptoms and seek therapy if they interfere with their daily life:

●      Feeling tired and listless: you may sleep too much during the day and toss and turn all night.

●      Loss of interest in sex and other pleasurable activities: perhaps the most common depression symptom is not finding joy in things you once loved.

●      Acting sullen and withdrawn: pay attention if people keep asking you what’s wrong.

●      Thoughts of suicide or self-harm: these are medical emergencies — please reach out to a helpline that can direct you to services. You can reach the National Suicide Hotline by dialing 988 in the US.

Then, the good news

Often, women thrive after hysterectomy.

Many find they fully enjoy sexual intercourse for the first time in their lives once freed from the fear of unwanted pregnancy — especially in today’s political climate, where unplanned conception can increase health risks significantly.

Perhaps the best part of life after hysterectomy is no more ruined pants. Go ahead — wear that white silk suit any day of the month. You’ll also have a little extra green in your wallet from eliminating a major source of the “pink tax,” so treat yourself to a tiny indulgence or two.

Consider a safer choice

There’s hope for women with low-risk cervical cancer who catch it early. While such treatments once entailed a radical hysterectomy in nearly all cases, many doctors today can opt for a less invasive approach based on the new study’s findings.

A simple hysterectomy can be a liberating experience — it’s all a matter of mindset. Focus on your mental health, find your support system and take comfort in knowing that a cervical cancer diagnosis no longer means risking the severe side effects associated with radical hysterectomy. 

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Mia Barnes is a health and wellness writer and the Editor In Chief at Body+Mind. She especially enjoys writing about mental health, physical well-being, mindfulness, and healthy living. When she's not writing, you can find Mia reading romance novels, jogging, and trying new recipes!