Author: Wu Wanli (Deputy Chief Physician of Gynecology Surgery 丨Zhejiang Cancer Hospital)
In clinical work, we often encounter some female friends who have to remove their uterus because of diseases.
However, when it comes to removing the uterus, they are very anxious: "Doctor, I heard that the uterus was cut, I am not a woman, can I not cut it?" "Now, let's do science popularization."
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First, the function of the uterus and ovaries
First, let's take a look at what the specific functions of the uterus and ovaries are.
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1. Function of the uterus
The main functions of the uterus are to menstruate and give birth to a baby. From puberty to menopause, the lining of the uterus is affected by ovarian hormones, undergoing periodic changes and producing menstruation.
In addition, the uterus is also the cradle of life, providing a place for the implantation, development and growth of the embryo.
Therefore, if the uterus is removed, it will not menstruate, and it is impossible to get pregnant and have a baby.
2. Function of the ovaries
The functions of the ovaries are reproductive and endocrine.
The so-called reproductive function refers to the ovary releasing an egg, the egg entering the fallopian tube, and encountering sperm, that is, fertilization becomes a pregnant egg (fertilized egg), the fertilized egg implants in the uterus, and develops, and finally gives birth to a baby.
The endocrine function is the secretion of estrogen and progesterone. The main role of progesterone is to promote the continued growth and development of the endometrium on the basis of estrogen action, in preparation for the implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus.
The main role of estrogen is to promote the growth and development of female reproductive organs and promote the appearance of female secondary sexual characteristics (such as breast bulge, slender waist, round buttocks, thin body hair, etc.).
Therefore, we can say that the maintenance of female characteristics is mainly due to the "credit" of the ovaries, which has little to do with the uterus.
Second, the reasons for the change of female characteristics after menopause
Normally, as women get older, they slowly begin to menopause. At this time, the function of the ovaries begins to gradually decline, especially the estrogen secreted by the ovaries will be greatly reduced.
Therefore, we will see that after menopause, women will be out of shape, their breasts will sag and shrink, their waist circumference will become swimming rings, and even become apple-shaped obesity similar to "fat" men, gradually losing their obvious feminine characteristics.
In general, these changes are caused by the decline or disappearance of the endocrine function of the ovaries and have little to do with the uterus.
Third, the effect of removal of the uterus on women
Well, now I can give you a reassuring pill: after cutting the uterus, you are still a woman, and the feminine characteristics will not disappear.
There is no doubt about this, as we have repeatedly emphasized above: the main organ that sustains female identity is the ovary, not the uterus.
Physiologically speaking, once the reproductive function is completed, especially at the age of menopause, the role of the uterus is almost non-existent.
Women become women mainly by hormones secreted by the ovaries, not the uterus.
Therefore, for female friends who need to have their uterus removed due to disease and have no fertility requirements, for your own health considerations, please stop clinging to unnecessary "uterine complexes" and bravely cooperate with doctors to remove the uterus! Cut the womb, you are still a beautiful and elegant beauty!
*The content of this article is a popularization of health knowledge and cannot be used as a specific diagnosis and treatment recommendation, nor is it a substitute for face-to-face consultation by a practicing physician, for reference only.
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