A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus from a woman’s body. The uterus is the organ where a baby develops in the womb before being born. Hysterectomy can alleviate symptoms of discomfort and serious health problems caused by problems in the uterus, such as uterine fibroids, uterine cancer, and adenomyosis.

Types of hysterectomies

The main types of hysterectomies are:

• Total hysterectomy: It involves removing the uterus and cervix.
• Partial hysterectomy: It involves removing just the upper portion of the uterus.
• Hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy: It involves removing both ovaries and fallopian tubes.
• Radical hysterectomy: It involves removing the uterus, the upper part of the vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, lymph nodes.

Most women who have a hysterectomy go home from the hospital within one or two days and can go back to their normal activities in four to six weeks. But for some, healing takes longer.

Why is a hysterectomy done?

You may need a hysterectomy if you have certain conditions, such as:

• Fibroids. Fibroids aren’t always a problem, but they can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pain, and pressure in your pelvis.
• Endometriosis. Tissue thickens, breaks down, and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. This can cause pain — sometimes severe — especially during your period.
• Pelvic organ prolapse. Damage to the muscles and tissues supporting your pelvic organs (bladder, rectum, and uterus) from pregnancy, childbirth, or surgery can cause these organs to drop from their normal position into the vagina. In some cases, they might even bulge out of the vaginal opening.
• Uterine prolapse. It is more common after menopause because estrogen helps keep ligaments strong and flexible. But it can also happen with younger women who are obese or who’ve had multiple vaginal deliveries or other pelvic surgeries.
• Abnormal uterine bleeding. Bleeding between periods or prolonged menstrual bleeding that’s not easily controlled with medication may be an indication of fibroids or cancer.

There are several other reasons why your doctor may recommend a hysterectomy.

What happens during a hysterectomy?

During a hysterectomy, your uterus is removed. If you have one or both of your ovaries and fallopian tubes removed at the same time, the procedure is called a total hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy.

The entire procedure may take between 1 and 3 hours, depending on which type of hysterectomy is performed.

During a laparoscopic hysterectomy, the surgeon makes small incisions in your abdomen. A thin viewing device called a laparoscope is inserted into one incision to project images from inside your body onto a video monitor. Surgical instruments are inserted through the other incisions to remove your uterus.

In an abdominal hysterectomy, the surgeon removes the uterus through one large incision in the lower abdomen.

In a vaginal hysterectomy, the surgeon makes an incision in the top of your vagina to remove your uterus.

Have more questions?

Whether you just want to know more about hysterectomy or your doctor may have recommended you hysterectomy for any reason, reach out to an experienced OB-GYN and consult them.

If you’re going for this procedure, be sure to have a clear understanding of its side effects, after-care, benefits, and other aspects.