Hysterectomy

Types of hysterectomy

There are 2 types of hysterectomy:

• total hysterectomy – removal of your uterus and cervix
• sub-total hysterectomy – removal of your uterus only, leaving the cervix in place.

Your doctor may recommend removal of your fallopian tubes, as it might reduce the risk of some ovarian cancers that begin in the tubes.

Reasons for having a hysterectomy

There are many reasons you might need to have a hysterectomy. For example, if you have:

• a condition that causes heavy bleeding (e.g. fibroids)
• a condition that causes severe pain and discomfort (e.g. adenomyosis or endometriosis)
• a prolapse – weakness of the tissues supporting your uterus and vaginal walls
• chronic pelvic inflammatory disease
• cancer or pre-cancer of your cervix, uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes.

Do you need a doctor’s referral?

Yes, you will need your doctor to refer you to a gynaecologist to perform the hysterectomy.

How is a hysterectomy performed?

There are different ways to perform a hysterectomy, including:

• laparoscopic – keyhole surgery, performed through your abdomen, using a tube with a camera (laparoscope)
• vaginal – surgery performed through your vagina
• abdominal – surgery performed via your lower abdomen.

Your gynaecologist will advise which type of hysterectomy is right for you.

Risks associated with having a hysterectomy

As with any operation, there are some risks associated with having a hysterectomy. For example:

• blood loss
• infection
• blood clots
• a reaction to anaesthesia
• damage to abdominal organs, such as the bladder, bowel or ureters.

Your gynaecologist will explain the risks in more detail.

After your hysterectomy

Recovery from a hysterectomy will depend on the type of operation you had and your general health before the operation. The average recovery time for a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy is up to 4 weeks. For an abdominal hysterectomy, recovery may take up to 6 weeks.

After a hysterectomy, you will not have periods or need contraception.

Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) until the expected age of menopause. MHT will help with menopausal symptoms and reduce potential long-term health risks of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

More information

For more detailed information, related resources, articles and podcasts, visit Jean Hailes for Women’s Health.

Where to get help

• GP (doctor)
• Gynaecologist
• Local women’s health centre
• Community health centre
• Family planning clinic
• Jean Hailes for Women’s Health