A hysterectomy is surgery to remove your uterus. If you have a hysterectomy, you will not be able to carry a pregnancy in the future.
What is a hysterectomy?
What are the different types of hysterectomy?
Reasons for having a hysterectomy
Do you need a doctor’s referral for a hysterectomy?
How is a hysterectomy performed?
What are the risks of having a hysterectomy?
What happens after a hysterectomy?
Related resources
A hysterectomy is an operation to remove your uterus. There are many reasons for having a hysterectomy. For example, if you have conditions such as endometriosis, persistent pelvic pain (PPP) or cancer.
There are 2 types of hysterectomy.
A total hysterectomy involves the removal of your uterus and cervix. Often your fallopian tubes are removed at the same time, as this reduces the chance of ovarian cancer by 60%.
A subtotal hysterectomy involves the removal of your uterus, leaving the cervix in place. Often your fallopian tubes are removed at the same time.
With both types of hysterectomy, your doctor will usually recommend your ovaries are left behind. This procedure may be done to help manage pelvic organ prolapse.
Your doctor might recommend you have a hysterectomy for different reasons, including:
It can be a big decision to have a hysterectomy as it’s an irreversible procedure. There are many things to consider, such as how your symptoms impact your quality of life and your plans for future pregnancies.
Yes, you will need a doctor’s referral to see a specialist (gynaecologist) who can perform the hysterectomy.
A hysterectomy can be performed in different ways, depending on the reason for the procedure, your medical history and general health. Hysterectomies are usually performed under general anaesthetic.
Your specialist may perform:
Ask your doctor about the different options and the benefits and risks of each. If you are still unsure, you can get a second opinion.
As with any operation, there are some risks associated with having a hysterectomy. For example, you might:
Vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomies have lower risks of blood loss and infection when compared to an abdominal hysterectomy. Your specialist will explain the risks in more detail.
Hysterectomy is associated with an earlier than expected menopause, so talk to your doctor if you have menopausal symptoms. One study suggested that if you have a hysterectomy, you might reach menopause about 4 years earlier than expected. If you have both ovaries removed during surgery, you will experience menopause straight away.
Studies suggest that many women have improved symptoms, for example, reduced pelvic pain, after recovering from a hysterectomy. They also report improved mood and quality of life after recovering from a hysterectomy.
It may take up to 4 weeks to recover fully after vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy and up to 6 weeks after abdominal hysterectomy. But it may take longer to recover, for example, if you had complications during surgery.
Visit the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) website to learn more about recovering from a hysterectomy.
Some women feel low or depressed after a hysterectomy for different reasons. Hormonal changes or feelings about an early end to your fertility may impact your mental health. Know that you are not alone. Talk to people you trust and see your doctor if you are concerned.
This content has been reviewed by a group of medical subject matter experts, in accordance with Jean Hailes policy.
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