Hysterectomy
Topic Overview
What is a hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman's uterus. After a hysterectomy, you can no longer become pregnant.
Other organs might also be removed if you have severe problems such as endometriosis or cancer. These organs include the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina), the ovaries (glands on both sides of the uterus that release eggs for pregnancy), and the fallopian tubes (the passageway between the uterus and the ovaries). When the ovaries and fallopian tubes are also removed, the surgery is called a hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy.
Whether or not the ovaries are removed will depend on your age and risk for certain types of cancer. For example, removing the ovaries lowers the risk of ovarian cancer and some types of breast cancer. But, if you have your ovaries removed before the age of menopause, you will go into early menopause, and you may be more likely to get heart disease or osteoporosis. Be sure to discuss all the benefits and risks of removing your ovaries with your doctor.
Hysterectomy is a very common surgical procedure.1 It is used less than in the past because women now have more treatment choices for pelvic problems and disease, so hysterectomy can sometimes be avoided.2
See an illustration of the female reproductive system
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What problems does this surgery treat?
Most often, hysterectomy is done to treat problems with the uterus, such as pain and heavy bleeding caused by endometriosis or fibroid tumours. The surgery may also be needed if there is cancer in the uterus, cervix, or ovaries. Some women may have the surgery during childbirth to save their lives if there is heavy bleeding that cannot be stopped.
Before you choose to have a hysterectomy, consider all of your treatment options. In many cases, this surgery is a last resort after trying other treatments for the problem.
How long will it take to recover from surgery?
Feeling better after surgery takes time. Most women are in the hospital 1 or 2 days after the surgery. Some women stay in the hospital up to 4 days.
When you get home, make sure you move around, but also be sure you don't do too much. You can walk around the house and up and down stairs, but take it slow. During the first 2 weeks, it’s important to get plenty of rest. Even after you start to feel stronger, you should not lift heavy things (anything over 9 kilograms). Also, you should not have sex until your doctor says it’s okay. It usually takes 4 to 8 weeks to get back to a normal routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
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| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW Carrie Henley | Last Updated: November 7, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Liisa Honey, MD, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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