A hysterectomy is a surgery to remove a woman’s uterus. This procedure is often used to treat uterine cancer, fibroids, and other gynecological problems.
If you are scheduled for a hysterectomy, it’s important to know what to expect. In this guide, we will discuss the different types of hysterectomies, the risks and benefits of the surgery, and how to prepare for your operation.
What is a hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and sometimes also the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It’s a common procedure, with over 600,000 performed in the United States each year.
After a hysterectomy, you lose your ability to get pregnant and don’t get your period.
Why it’s performed?
There are several reasons why your doctor might recommend a hysterectomy. These include:
- Uterine fibroids: These are noncancerous growths in the wall of the uterus.
- Endometriosis: This is when tissue that normally grows inside the uterus grows outside of it.
- Uterine prolapse: This is when the uterus drops down into the vagina.
- Cancer: Hysterectomy is sometimes used to treat cancer of the uterus, ovaries, or cervix.
- Abnormal or excessive vaginal bleeding or uncontrollable bleeding after childbirth that has not responded to other treatments.
What are the types of hysterectomy?
The type of hysterectomy you have depends on the reason for the surgery and your overall health. The three main types are:
Total hysterectomy: The uterus and cervix are removed. The ovaries may or may not be removed.
Subtotal or supracervical hysterectomy: The uterus is removed, but the cervix is left in place. The ovaries may or may not be removed.
Radical hysterectomy: The uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, lymph nodes, and nearby tissue are removed. This is usually done to treat cancer.
What happens during a hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is usually done through an incision in your abdomen. But sometimes, it’s done vaginally or laparoscopically, which means a few small incisions are made in your belly, and the surgery is done with a camera and other small tools.
You’ll be given general anesthesia, so you won’t be awake during the surgery.
The surgery usually takes one to three hours. The duration will differ depending on the size of the uterus and if tissue such as endometrial tissue or other organs must be removed along with it (such as your fallopian tubes or ovaries).
Different surgical approaches
- Abdominal hysterectomy: This is the most common type of hysterectomy. It’s done through an incision in your lower abdomen. The incision is typically made vertically, although sometimes it’s made horizontally just above the pubic bone. The surgeon will then close the incision with staples or stitches.
- Vaginal hysterectomy: This type of hysterectomy is done through an incision in your vagina. It doesn’t require a large incision, so there’s less pain and scarring afterward.
- Laparoscopic hysterectomy: This type of hysterectomy is done through small incisions in your abdomen. A camera and other small tools are used to remove the uterus. It has a shorter recovery time than an abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy. But it’s not an option for everyone because it requires special training and equipment.
- Robotic hysterectomy: This type of hysterectomy is done with a robot. The surgeon controls the robot’s arms, which have small surgical tools attached to them. It can be done vaginally, laparoscopically, or abdominally. The robot gives the surgeon a better view of the area being operated on and more precision.
What are the risks of a hysterectomy?
As with any surgery, there are some risks associated with hysterectomy, such as:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Damage to nearby organs
- Reaction to anesthesia
There are also some long-term risks to consider, such as:
- Urinary incontinence: This is when you leak urine when you cough, laugh or sneeze. It’s more common after a hysterectomy than it is after other types of surgery.
- Bowel problems: You may have trouble having a bowel movement, or you may leak stool. These problems are more common after an abdominal hysterectomy.
- Sexual problems: You may have a lower sex drive, or you may not be able to have an orgasm.
These problems are more common after a hysterectomy than they are after other types of surgery.
What is the recovery time for a hysterectomy?
Recovery times vary depending on the type of hysterectomy you have. For example, if you have a vaginal hysterectomy, you can usually go home the same day or the next day. But if you have an abdominal hysterectomy, you may need to stay in the hospital for three to five days.
You’ll likely have some pain and cramping after the surgery. You can take pain medication to help with this. It’s also common to have a bloody vaginal discharge for six weeks or more after the surgery.
You shouldn’t lift anything heavier than 15 pounds for at least six weeks after the surgery. And you shouldn’t have sex for at least six weeks.
It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions during your recovery. This will help you heal properly and reduce your risk of complications.
When can I expect my period to stop?
If you have a hysterectomy, your period will stop. This is because the uterus is removed, and the ovaries may also be removed. If the ovaries are not removed, they will likely stop producing estrogen, which will cause your period to stop.
When can I expect to feel better?
Most people start to feel better within a week or two after the surgery. But it can take six weeks or more to fully recover. You may have a longer recovery time if you had an abdominal hysterectomy.
You should call your doctor if you have any concerns during your recovery. They can help you determine what’s normal and what’s not.
What are the long-term effects of a hysterectomy?
The long-term effects of a hysterectomy depend on the type of surgery you had. For example, if you had a vaginal hysterectomy, there are usually no long-term effects. But if you had an abdominal or robotic hysterectomy, there may be some risks to consider, such as urinary incontinence or sexual problems.
It’s important to talk to your doctor about the possible long-term effects of a hysterectomy before you have the surgery. This way, you can make an informed decision about whether or not the surgery is right for you.
What are the risks of not having a hysterectomy?
If you have a condition that could be treated with a hysterectomy, such as uterine fibroids or endometriosis, you may be at risk for complications if you don’t have the surgery. For example, you could develop anemia from heavy bleeding. You may also have a higher risk for cancer if you have endometriosis.
If you’re considering a hysterectomy, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the surgery. This way, you can make an informed decision about whether or not the surgery is right for you.
What should I do if I’m considering a hysterectomy?
If you’re considering a hysterectomy, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the surgery. This way, you can make an informed decision about whether or not the surgery is right for you.
You should also ask your doctor about alternative treatments for your condition. For example, if you have uterine fibroids, you may be able to have a less invasive procedure called a myomectomy.
If you’re considering a hysterectomy, it’s important to talk to your doctor about all of your options before making a decision.
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