“A hysterectomy is an operation to remove your uterus.
There are many reasons for having a hysterectomy.
For example, certain health conditions and diseases…”.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. The Australasian Menopause Society’s definition is:

“A hysterectomy is surgical removal of a woman’s uterus”.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

Total Hysterectomy

What is a total hysterectomy?

DotS the definition of a total hysterectomy may vary. In What Is A Hysterectomy? What Is A Hysterectomy? Hysterectomy.org’s definition is:

“A total hysterectomy is removal of the entire uterus which includes the cervix”.4

In Hysterectomy: What Are the Different Types of Hysterectomies? the Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov’s definition is:

  • “A total hysterectomy removes all of the uterus, including the cervix. The ovaries and the fallopian tubes may or may not be removed. This is the most common type of hysterectomy”.5

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. In What Is A Hysterectomy? Total Hysterectomy With Oophorectomy Hysterectomy.org’s definition is:

“A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, otherwise known as the womb. The removal of the ovaries in addition to a hysterectomy – is called an oophorectomy”.6

In Hysterectomy: Overview – Types of Hysterectomy the NHS’s definition is:

  • “Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy – the womb, cervix, fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) and ovaries (oophorectomy) are removed”.7

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”.8

Hysterectomy Types – Incisions

What are hysterectomy types incisions?

In What Is A Hysterectomy? Hysterectomy Types – Incisions Hysterectomy.org elaborate on:

Hysterectomy Considerations

Where may I find some hysterectomy considerations?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

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)”.9

Menopause

Do most women who have a hysterectomy go straight into menopause?

In What Causes Menopause: Menopause Due To Surgery – Hysterectomy the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (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”.10

Managing Menopause After Surgery

How can menopause be managed after surgery?

The JH explain:

“If your menopause is caused by surgery, your oestrogen and testosterone hormones will suddenly drop, causing symptoms to be more severe than normal.

The best way to manage these symptoms is with menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). Your doctor can advise you about the risks and benefits of using MHT.

MHT may not be an option after surgical menopause (e.g. if you have a hormone-sensitive cancer). If this is the case, you can explore other options such as non-hormonal therapies, complementary therapies and medicines”.11

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”.12

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:

“Getting a hysterectomy can be an emotional experience. While it can offer relief and peace of mind, it can also be a difficult recovery and leave you with feelings of loss. If your healthcare provider recommends a hysterectomy, make sure you understand the procedure and how to safely recover from surgery. Be sure to follow their recommendations on things to avoid while you recover at home. Most people can go back to their usual activities six to eight weeks after a hysterectomy”.13

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

“A hysterectomy is an irreversible procedure. There are many things to consider such as your plans to have children and the severity of your symptoms. You can ask your doctor about different options and the benefits and risks of each. If you are still unsure, you can talk to a specialist or get a second opinion”.14

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z 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: Reasons for Having A Hysterectomy? Last Updated: 22 July 2024 | Last Reviewed: 14 April 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/hysterectomy/ Accessed: 20 September 2024
  2. Glossary of Terms: Hysterectomy. Content Updated: February 2022. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/381-glossary-of-terms Accessed: 20 September 2024
  3. Hysterectomy: Overview. Page Last Reviewed: 11 October 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hysterectomy/ Accessed: 20 September 2024
  4. What Is A Hysterectomy? What Is A Hysterectomy? Hysterectomy.org https://www.hysterectomy.org/what-is-a-hysterectomy/ Accessed: 20 September 2024
  5. Hysterectomy: What Are the Different Types of 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: 20 September 2024
  6. What Is A Hysterectomy? What Is A Hysterectomy? Total Hysterectomy With Oophorectomy. Hysterectomy.org https://www.hysterectomy.org/what-is-a-hysterectomy/ Accessed: 20 September 2024
  7. Hysterectomy: Overview – Types of Hysterectomy. Page Last Reviewed: 11 October 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hysterectomy/#types-of-hysterectomy Accessed: 20 September 2024
  8. Hysterectomy: Overview – Types of Hysterectomy. Page Last Reviewed: 11 October 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hysterectomy/#types-of-hysterectomy Accessed: 20 September 2024
  9. 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: 20 September 2024
  10. What Causes Menopause: Menopause Due To Surgery – Hysterectomy. Last Updated: 19 September 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/causes-of-menopause Accessed: 20 September 2024
  11. What Causes Menopause: Menopause Due To Surgery – Hysterectomy: Managing Menopause After Surgery. Last Updated: 19 September 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/causes-of-menopause Accessed: 20 September 2024
  12. 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: 20 September 2024
  13. Hysterectomy: Additional Details – A Note From Cleveland Clinic. Last Reviewed: 31 May 2024. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/4852-hysterectomy Accessed: 20 September 2024
  14. Hysterectomy: Reasons for Having A Hysterectomy? Last Updated: 22 July 2024 | Last Reviewed: 14 April 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/hysterectomy/ Accessed: 20 September 2024
Topic Last Updated: 19 November 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 20 September 2024