“If your doctor has recommended hysterectomy,
and you are still unsure, it is a good idea to have
a further discussion with your specialist. Alternatively…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Hysterectomy Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Abdominal Hysterectomy
  • Hysterectomy
  • Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (Keyhole Surgery)
  • Partial Hysterectomy
  • Radial Hysterectomy
  • Subtotal Hysterectomy
  • Supracervical Hysterectomy
  • Total Hysterectomy
  • Total Hysterectomy With Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy
  • Total Hysterectomy With Oophorectomy
  • Vaginal Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy

What is a hysterectomy?

DotS the definition of a hysterectomy may vary. In Hysterectomy: What Is A Hysterectomy? the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) definition is:

“A hysterectomy is an operation to remove the uterus (womb)”.2

In Hysterectomy: Overview the (United Kingdom) NHS’s definition is:

“A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the womb (uterus). You’ll no longer be able to get pregnant after the operation”.3

The Australasian Menopause Society’s definition is:

“A hysterectomy is surgical removal of a woman’s uterus. Diagnosis of perimenopause/menopause depends on the presence of menopausal symptoms due to by the absence of menses in hysterectomised women”.4

Vaginal Hysterectomy

What is a vaginal hysterectomy?

DotS the definition of a vaginal hysterectomy may vary. In Vaginal Hysterectomy: Overview the (United States) Mayo Clinic’s definition is:

“Vaginal hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus through the vagina.

During a vaginal hysterectomy, the surgeon detaches the uterus from the ovaries, fallopian tubes and upper vagina, as well as from the blood vessels and connective tissue that support it, before removing the uterus”.5

Total Hysterectomy

What is a total hysterectomy?

DotS the definition of a total hysterectomy may vary. The NHS’s definition is:

  • “Total hysterectomy – the womb and cervix (neck of the womb) are removed; this is the most commonly performed operation”.6

The JH’s definition is:

  • “A total hysterectomy means both the uterus and the cervix (neck of the womb) are removed, whilst the woman keeps her ovaries”.7

Total Hysterectomy With Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy

What is a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy?

DotS the definition of a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy may vary. The NHS’s definition is:

  • “Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy – the womb, cervix, fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) and ovaries (oophorectomy) are removed”.8

Subtotal Hysterectomy

What is a subtotal hysterectomy?

DotS the definition of a subtotal hysterectomy may vary. The NHS’s definition is:

  • “Subtotal hysterectomy – the main body of the womb is removed, leaving the cervix in place”.9

Common or Not

How common are hysterectomies?

In Hysterectomy: How Common Are Hysterectomies? according to information quoted by the Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov, dated 2010:

“Each year in the United States, nearly 500,000 women get hysterectomies. A hysterectomy is the second most common surgery among women in the United States. The most common surgery in women is childbirth by cesarean delivery (C-section)”.10

Pap Tests

Do women still need regular Pap tests after a hysterectomy?

Womenshealth.gov note:

“Maybe. You will still need regular Pap tests (or Pap smear) to screen for cervical cancer if you:

  • Did not have your cervix removed
  • Had a hysterectomy because of cancer or precancer

Ask your doctor what is best for you and how often you should have Pap tests”.11

Menopause

Does having a hysterectomy put you into menopause?

In What Causes Menopause: Menopause Due To Surgery – Hysterectomy the JH explain:

“A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of your uterus. Most women who have a hysterectomy do not go straight into menopause. But women who have a hysterectomy and keep their ovaries are more likely to have an earlier menopause”.12

Hysterectomy Questions To Ask

Where may I find some hysterectomy questions to ask?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Health Care Provider

What if I am unsure about having a hysterectomy?

In Hysterectomy: Additional Details – A Note From Cleveland Clinic the (United States) Cleveland Clinic explain:

“A hysterectomy can offer relief from many conditions of the uterus, like irregular bleeding or painful periods. Remember, talk openly and honestly with your healthcare provider about your symptoms so they can recommend the best treatment. If you get a hysterectomy, make sure you understand the procedure and how to safely recover from surgery”.13

In Hysterectomy: Should You Have A Hysterectomy? the JH also caution:

“If your doctor has recommended hysterectomy, and you are still unsure, it is a good idea to have a further discussion with your specialist. Alternatively, you could seek a second opinion”.14

What if I have not bounced back after a hysterectomy?

If you have not bounced back after a hysterectomy it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. Together you can discuss your options and if required, agree on who may be the most appropriate health care provider to help you.

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Hysterectomy?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Links

Where may I find Links related to Hysterectomy?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Hysterectomy: What Is A Hysterectomy? Last Updated: 06 September 2022 | Last Reviewed: 14 May 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/hysterectomy/ Accessed: 17 March 2023
  2. Hysterectomy: What Is A Hysterectomy? Last Updated: 06 September 2022 | Last Reviewed: 14 May 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/hysterectomy/ Accessed: 17 March 2023
  3. Hysterectomy: Overview. Page Last Reviewed: 11 October 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hysterectomy/ Accessed: 17 March 2023
  4. Glossary of Terms: Hysterectomy. Content Updated: February 2022. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/381-glossary-of-terms Accessed: 17 March 2023
  5. Vaginal Hysterectomy: Overview. 10 February 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/vaginal-hysterectomy/about/pac-20384541 Accessed: 17 March 2023
  6. Hysterectomy: Overview – Types of Hysterectomy. Page Last Reviewed: 11 October 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hysterectomy/#types-of-hysterectomy Accessed: 17 March 2023
  7. Hysterectomy: What Is A Hysterectomy? Last Updated: 06 September 2022 | Last Reviewed: 14 May 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/hysterectomy/ Accessed: 17 March 2023
  8. Hysterectomy: Overview – Types of Hysterectomy. Page Last Reviewed: 11 October 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hysterectomy/#types-of-hysterectomy Accessed: 17 March 2023
  9. Hysterectomy: Overview – Types of Hysterectomy. Page Last Reviewed: 11 October 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hysterectomy/#types-of-hysterectomy Accessed: 17 March 2023
  10. Hysterectomy: How Common Are Hysterectomies? Page Last Updated: 29 December 2022. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/hysterectomy.html?from=AtoZ Accessed: 17 March 2023
  11. Hysterectomy: I’ve Had A Hysterectomy. Do I Still Need To Have Pap Tests? Page Last Updated: 29 December 2022. Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/hysterectomy?from=AtoZ Accessed: 17 March 2023
  12. What Causes Menopause: Menopause Due To Surgery – Hysterectomy. Last Updated: 02 March 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/causes-of-menopause Accessed: 17 March 2023
  13. Hysterectomy: Additional Details – A Note From Cleveland Clinic. Last Reviewed: 16 October 2021. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/4852-hysterectomy Accessed: 17 March 2023
  14. Hysterectomy: Should You Have A Hysterectomy? Last Updated: 06 September 2022 | Last Reviewed: 14 May 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/hysterectomy/ Accessed: 17 March 2023
Topic Last Updated: 17 March 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 17 March 2023

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