FAQs Hysterectomy

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hysterectomy?

Hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus . It is a very common type of surgery for
women in the United States. Removing your uterus means that you can no longer get
pregnant.

Why is hysterectomy done?

Hysterectomy is used to treat many women’s health conditions. Some of these

conditions include

• uterine fibroids (this is the most common reason for hysterectomy)

• endometriosis

• pelvic support problems (such as uterine prolapse )

• abnormal uterine bleeding

• chronic pelvic pain

• gynecologic cancer

Are there alternatives to hysterectomy?

 Depending on your condition, you may want to try other options first that do not involve
surgery or to “watch and wait” to see if your condition improves on its own. Some

women wait to have a hysterectomy until after they have completed their families. If you
choose another option besides hysterectomy, keep in mind that you may need additional
treatment later.

What structures are removed during a hysterectomy?

There are different types of hysterectomy:

• Total hysterectomy—The uterus and cervix are removed.

• Supracervical hysterectomy—The upper part of the uterus is removed, but the cervix

is left in place.

• Radical hysterectomy—The uterus and cervix are removed along with structures
around the uterus. This surgery may be recommended if cancer is diagnosed or
suspected.

What other organs besides the cervix and uterus may be removed during a
hysterectomy?

If needed, the ovaries and fallopian tubes may be removed if they are abnormal (for
example, they are affected by endometriosis). This procedure is called

• salpingo-oophorectomy if both tubes and ovaries are removed

• salpingectomy if just the fallopian tubes are removed

• oophorectomy if just the ovaries are removed

Your surgeon may not know whether the ovaries and fallopian tubes will be removed
until the time of surgery. Women at risk of ovarian cancer or breast cancer can choose
to have both ovaries removed even if these organs are healthy in order to reduce their

risk of cancer. This is called a risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy .

Removing the fallopian tubes (but not the ovaries) at the time of hysterectomy also may
be an option for women who do not have cancer. This procedure is called opportunistic
 salpingectomy. It may help prevent ovarian cancer. Talk with your surgeon about the
possible benefits of removing your fallopian tubes at the time of your surgery.

What will happen if my ovaries are removed before I have gone through
menopause?

You may experience immediate menopause signs and symptoms. You also may be at
increased risk of osteoporosis . Hormone therapy can be given to relieve signs and
symptoms of menopause and may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Hormone
therapy can be started immediately after surgery. Other medications can be given to

prevent osteoporosis if you are at high risk.

What are the different ways hysterectomy can be performed?

A hysterectomy can be done in different ways: through the vagina , through the

abdomen, or with laparoscopy . The choice will depend on why you are having the
surgery and other factors. Sometimes, the decision is made after the surgery begins and
the surgeon is able to see whether there are other problems.

How is a vaginal hysterectomy done?

In a vaginal hysterectomy, the uterus is removed through the vagina. There is no

abdominal incision. Not all women are able to have a vaginal hysterectomy. For
example, women who have adhesions from previous surgery or who have a very large

uterus may not be able to have this type of surgery.

What are the benefits of vaginal hysterectomy?

Vaginal hysterectomy generally causes fewer complications than abdominal or

laparoscopic hysterectomy. Healing time may be shorter than with abdominal surgery,
with a faster return to normal activities. It is recommended as the first choice for
hysterectomy when possible.

How is laparoscopic hysterectomy done?

Laparoscopic surgery requires only a few small incisions in your abdomen. A

laparoscope inserted through one of these incisions allows the surgeon to see the
pelvic organs. Other surgical instruments are used to perform the surgery through other

small incisions. Your uterus can be removed in small pieces through the incisions,
 through a larger incision made in your abdomen, or through your vagina (which is called
a laparoscopic vaginal hysterectomy).

A robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy is performed with the help of a robotic

machine controlled by the surgeon. In general, it has not been shown that robot-assisted
laparoscopy results in a better outcome than laparoscopy performed without robotic
assistance.

What are the benefits and risks of laparoscopic hysterectomy?

Compared with abdominal hysterectomy, laparoscopic surgery results in less pain, has a
lower risk of infection, and requires a shorter hospital stay. You may be able to return to

your normal activities sooner. There also are risks with laparoscopic surgery. It can take
longer to perform compared with abdominal or vaginal surgery, especially if it is
performed with a robot. Also, there is an increased risk of injury to the urinary tract and
other organs with this type of surgery.

How is an abdominal hysterectomy done?

In an abdominal hysterectomy, the uterus is removed through an incision in your lower

abdomen. The opening in your abdomen gives the surgeon a clear view of your pelvic

organs.

What are the benefits and risks of abdominal hysterectomy?

Abdominal hysterectomy can be performed even if there are adhesions or if the uterus

is very large. But abdominal hysterectomy is associated with greater risk of

complications, such as wound infection, bleeding, blood clots, and nerve and tissue
damage, than vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy. It generally requires a longer
hospital stay and a longer recovery time than vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Is hysterectomy safe?

Hysterectomy is one of the safest surgical procedures. But as with any surgery,
problems can occur, including

• fever and infection

• heavy bleeding during or after surgery

 • injury to the urinary tract or nearby organs

• blood clots in the leg that can travel to the lungs

• breathing or heart problems related to anesthesia

Some problems related to the surgery may not show up until a few days, weeks, or even
years after surgery. These problems include formation of a blood clot in the wound or
bowel blockage. Complications are more common after an abdominal hysterectomy.

Are all women at the same risk of complications?

No, some women are at greater risk of complications than others. For example, if you
have an underlying medical condition, you may be at greater risk of problems related to

anesthesia.

Will I have to stay in the hospital after having a hysterectomy?

Depending on the type of hysterectomy you had and how it was done, you may need to

stay in the hospital for up to a few days after surgery. Or you may be able to go home
the same day.

If you stay in the hospital, you will be urged to walk around as soon as possible after
your surgery. Walking will help prevent blood clots in your legs. You may also get

medicine or other care to help prevent blood clots.

What should I expect after having a hysterectomy?

You can expect to have some pain for the first few days after the surgery. You will be

given medication to relieve pain. You will have bleeding and discharge from your vagina
for several weeks. Sanitary pads can be used after the surgery. Constipation is common
after most hysterectomies. Some women have temporary problems with emptying the
bladder after a hysterectomy. Other effects may be emotional. It is not uncommon to

have an emotional response to hysterectomy. You may feel sad that you are no longer
able to bear children, or you may be relieved that your former symptoms are gone.

What are some important things I should know about recovery?

Follow your surgeon's instructions. Be sure to get plenty of rest, but you also need to
move around as often as you can. Take short walks and gradually increase the distance
 you walk every day. You should not lift heavy objects until your surgeon says you can.
Do not put anything in your vagina during the first 6 weeks. That includes douching,

having sex, and using tampons.

After you recover, you should continue to see your obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-
gyn) for routine gynecologic exams and general health care. Depending on the reason
for your hysterectomy, you still may need pelvic exams and cervical cancer screening.

Glossary

Adhesions: Scars that can make tissue surfaces stick together.

Cervix: The lower, narrow end of the uterus at the top of the vagina.

Complications: Diseases or conditions that happen as a result of another disease or

condition. An example is pneumonia that develops with the flu. An example of a
pregnancy complication is preterm labor.

Endometriosis [en-doh-mee-tree-OH-suhs]: A condition that causes tissue that lines the

uterus to grow outside of the uterus, usually on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other
parts of the pelvis.

Fallopian Tubes [fuh-LOH-pee-uhn]: Tubes through which an egg travels from the ovary
to the uterus.

Fibroids: Growths that form in the muscle of the uterus. Fibroids are usually
noncancerous. Also called leiomyomas.

Hormone Therapy: Treatment with hormones, such as estrogen and progestin, to help
treat the symptoms of menopause.

Hysterectomy [his-tuhr-REK-tuh-mee]: Surgery to remove the uterus.

Laparoscope [LAP-uh-ruh-skohp]: A thin, lighted telescope that is inserted through a

small incision (cut) in the abdomen to view internal organs or perform surgery.

Laparoscopy [lap-uh-RAH-skuh-pee]: A surgical procedure using a thin, lighted telescope

called a laparoscope. The laparoscope is inserted through a small incision (cut) in the
abdomen and used to view the pelvic organs. Other long, thin instruments can be used
with it to perform surgery.

Menopause: The last menstrual period, often happening around age 51. Menopause can
only be confirmed after 1 year of no periods.

Obstetrician–Gynecologist (Ob-Gyn): A doctor with medical and surgical training and

education in the female reproductive system.

Oophorectomy [oh-uh-fuh-REK-tuh-mee]: Surgery to remove an ovary.

Osteoporosis: A condition of thin bones that could allow them to break more easily.

Ovarian Cancer: Cancer that develops in the ovaries or fallopian tubes.

Ovaries: Organs that contain the eggs necessary to get pregnant. Ovaries also make

important hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

Risk-Reducing Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy [sal-PIN-joh-oh-uh-fuh-REK-tuh-mee]:

Surgery to remove both healthy fallopian tubes and both healthy ovaries. This surgery is
done to reduce the risk of cancer.

Salpingectomy [sal-pin-JEK-tuh-mee]: Surgery to remove one or both of the fallopian

tubes.

Salpingo-Oophorectomy [sal-PIN-joh-oh-uh-fuh-REK-tuh-mee]: Surgery to remove an

ovary and fallopian tube.

Uterine Prolapse: A condition where the uterus drops into or out of the vagina.

Uterus: A muscular organ in the female pelvis. During pregnancy, this organ holds and
nourishes the fetus. Also called the womb.

Vagina: A tube-like structure surrounded by muscles. The vagina leads from the uterus

to the outside of the body.

If you have further questions, contact your ob-gyn.

Don't have an ob-gyn? Learn how to find a doctor near you.

FAQ008

Last updated: September 2024

Last reviewed: August 2024

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