Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is one of the most common surgeries performed on women, and it can be done for a wide range of medical reasons — from noncancerous conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, and abnormal bleeding, to cancers of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries. The specific type of hysterectomy your surgeon recommends depends on why you are having the surgery and what structures need to be removed. A partial (subtotal) hysterectomy removes the uterus but leaves the cervix; a total hysterectomy removes both the uterus and cervix; a radical hysterectomy, typically performed for cancer, additionally removes the upper vagina and surrounding tissues.

The surgery can be performed through several approaches. Traditional open surgery involves a larger abdominal incision. Minimally invasive approaches — including laparoscopic, robotic-assisted, and vaginal hysterectomy — use smaller incisions or no abdominal incision at all, and are associated with shorter recovery times and less post-operative pain for eligible patients. Your surgeon will discuss which approach is most appropriate given your anatomy and the reason for the procedure.

After a hysterectomy, you will no longer have menstrual periods and you cannot become pregnant. If the ovaries are also removed — a procedure called an oophorectomy — this triggers immediate surgical menopause. If the ovaries are preserved, they continue to produce hormones and natural menopause still occurs at its usual time. Recovery typically takes several weeks, with most women returning to normal activities within four to eight weeks depending on the surgical approach.

A hysterectomy is a significant surgical decision, and it is worth taking the time to fully understand your options before proceeding, especially for noncancerous conditions where alternatives may exist. Questions to explore with your provider include whether less invasive treatments have been tried, what type of hysterectomy is being recommended and why, whether ovarian removal is necessary, and what the recovery and long-term implications are for you specifically.

For women facing gynecologic cancer, a hysterectomy may be a lifesaving intervention, and knowing what to expect physically and emotionally can help you prepare. Whether the surgery is urgent or elective, many women find it helpful to seek a second opinion and to speak with other women who have been through the procedure. Support — from your care team, loved ones, and patient communities — makes a real difference in navigating both the decision and the recovery.