A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus (womb). It is a major surgery that means you will no longer be able to become pregnant and, in most cases, your menstrual periods will stop.
Depending on the medical reason, a surgeon may remove just the uterus or also include the cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
Why is it performed?
Doctors typically recommend a hysterectomy when other treatments (like medication or less invasive procedures) haven’t worked. Common reasons include:
Uterine Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths that cause heavy bleeding or pain.
Endometriosis: When uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, causing severe pain.
Cancer: Treatment for cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries.
Uterine Prolapse: When the uterus slides down into the vaginal canal.
Chronic Pelvic Pain: When the cause is tied specifically to the uterus.
Types of Hysterectomy
The “type” refers to how much of the reproductive system is removed:
| Type | What is removed? |
| Total | The entire uterus and the cervix (most common). |
| Partial (Supracervical) | The upper part of the uterus; the cervix is left in place. |
| Radical | The uterus, cervix, top of the vagina, and surrounding tissue (usually for cancer). |
| With Salpingo-oophorectomy | Removal of the fallopian tubes and/or ovaries alongside the uterus. |
Surgical Approaches & Recovery
How the surgery is performed significantly impacts recovery time:
Abdominal Hysterectomy: A traditional “open” surgery with a 6-12 inch incision.
Recovery: 6 to 8 weeks.
Vaginal Hysterectomy: The uterus is removed through the vaginal opening; no external scars.
Recovery: 3 to 4 weeks.
Laparoscopic/Robotic Hysterectomy: Uses small incisions (keyhole surgery) and a camera.
Recovery: 2 to 4 weeks.
Important Considerations
Surgical Menopause: If your ovaries are removed, you will enter menopause immediately, regardless of your age. This may cause hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.
Emotional Impact: For some, the relief from pain brings a sense of freedom; for others, the loss of fertility can cause feelings of grief or depression.
Long-term Health: Removing ovaries early can increase the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease, so doctors often discuss Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) as an option.