A hysterectomy is an operation to remove the uterus (womb). There are many reasons for having a hysterectomy including cancer, heavy and continuous bleeding, endometriosis and severe pelvic pain. Except when there is cancer or uncontrollable life-threatening bleeding, making the decision to have a hysterectomy can be difficult. We have provided information on what is involved in having a hysterectomy and questions you can ask yourself and your doctor if you are faced with this decision.
What is a hysterectomy?
Why a hysterectomy might be performed
Ways to perform a hysterectomy
Should you have a hysterectomy?
Questions to think about
A hysterectomy is an operation to remove the uterus (womb).
A total hysterectomy means both the uterus and the cervix are removed. A total hysterectomy does not mean the ovaries are removed. If the ovaries are removed this is a hysterectomy with oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries).
Occasionally a 'subtotal' hysterectomy is performed where the cervix is retained. If a hysterectomy is required due to cancer or risk of cancer it may also be recommended to take out the fallopian tubes, due to some research suggesting ovarian cancer may sometimes originate in the tube[1] [2].
Having a hysterectomy is major surgery. The decision to have a hysterectomy should only be made after you have been given adequate information about why you need one, how the surgery will be performed, what will happen to your body and what the consequences may be. It is also important to think about how you may feel about losing your uterus and whether you need help and support coping with those feelings.
There are four ways a hysterectomy may be performed:
The decision as to which method of hysterectomy is most appropriate depends on:
If you are unsure about having a hysterectomy, you should seek a second opinion.
Sometimes it is appropriate to take time making the decision except when there is cancer or uncontrollable life-threatening bleeding.
For many women, hysterectomy relieves the symptoms and improves quality of life. Often women say, 'I wish I had done this years ago'.
A small number of women take time to recover following hysterectomy. This may be for many reasons including:
You may like to consider the following questions when thinking about whether or not to have a hysterectomy: