As a Chinese medicine holistic health expert, I often encounter the question for uterine health: “If a woman’s uterus doesn’t conceive, will it get sick? Should it be removed after childbirth?” This idea, while not entirely unfounded, is shared by many gynecologists’.

Clinically, many women over the age of 40 who have no plans for future pregnancies are advised to consider a hysterectomy upon the discovery of significant fibroids or other uterine conditions. The reasoning is that without the prospect of further pregnancies, the uterus may only pose health risks and serve no other purpose.

However, from a holistic health perspective, particularly through the lens of Chinese medicine, this view requires deeper scrutiny. The uterus, beyond its reproductive function, is a critical component of the female pelvic floor structure. Removing the uterus can significantly increase the risk of pelvic organ prolapse, including bladder and vaginal prolapse, and even rectal prolapse.

Many women who undergo hysterectomy in their forties and fifties often need surgical intervention for bladder prolapse and associated conditions in their sixties and seventies.

The Role of Uterus in Pelvic Floor Support

To illustrate this, consider the three main organs in the female pelvis: the bladder, uterus, and rectum. Unlike household appliances neatly placed in different locations, these organs are interconnected by a complex network of ligaments and fascia, forming a vital part of the pelvic floor support structure.

Bladder support: The upper part of the bladder is attached to and suspended by the broad ligament of the uterus, while the lower part of the bladder is suspended by the pubovesical ligament attached to the pubic bone. The base of the bladder and the posterior part of the urethra are supported by a layer of fascia known as Halban’s fascia, which is quite fragile and prone to prolapse when the pelvic floor muscles are weak.

When this pelvic support structure is compromised, as it often is during difficult childbirth, it leads to conditions like stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in middle-aged and elderly women.

Pelvic Support Structure: A fascia band stretching from the sacrum to the rectum, uterus, bladder, and pubic bone provides critical support. However, this band lacks direct muscle contact beneath it, making it susceptible to damage during childbirth.

The Consequences of Hysterectomy in uterine health

The removal of the uterus can significantly weaken this intricate support system, leading to issues such as urinary incontinence, vaginal prolapse, and rectal prolapse in older women.

Therefore, unless severe uterine damage or ovarian diseases like cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, or ovarian cancer necessitate hysterectomy, or in life-threatening emergency situations, it is generally advisable to preserve the uterus.

Medical advancements have come a long way, but they still fall short of the natural structure’s quality.

Re-evaluating the Role of the Uterus

The belief that “a woman’s uterus is only useful for childbirth and should be removed afterward” is, in my opinion, debatable. This concept reflects more than just a medical issue; it also raises questions about whether treatment plans consider the overall quality of life.

At Wellness Balance, I focus on the holistic health of my clients. My approach integrates traditional wisdom with modern expertise, aiming to improve the overall quality of life for my clients. I recognise the critical role of the uterus and pelvic floor health in a woman’s well-being. Through specialised treatments such as acupuncture, medical massage, and pelvic floor therapy, I aim to support and enhance pelvic health, helping women maintain their natural structures and avoid complications related to hysterectomy.

I hope every woman, whether she chooses to have children or not, can enjoy a healthy uterus and a fulfilling life. Women and their uteri are not merely tools for reproduction. You can contact me on IG Suzie Chen

For expert advice on pain management, anti-aging, and holistic health, visit Wellness Balance to explore our services in London. At Wellness Balance, we are dedicated to your well-being, offering a perfect blend of traditional wisdom and modern expertise to transform your health.