Hysterectomy

“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…”.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 Healths (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 occurs when a woman’s uterus or womb is removed. She will no longer be able to bear children and will not have any further periods. However the ovaries will continue to function producing hormones normally and will continue to produce hormones if the woman is premenopausal”.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

The JH note:

  • “A subtotal means the cervix is not removed”.10

Common or Not

How common are hysterectomies?

In Hysterectomy: How Common Are Hysterectomies? according to the Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov, in 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)”.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

Menopause

Does having a hysterectomy put you into menopause?

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

Hysterectomy

“Sometimes there is confusion about whether having a hysterectomy (the removal of the uterus) will put you into menopause. If your uterus is removed but you still have your ovaries, you will not necessarily go straight into menopause.

Ten to 12% of women who have a hysterectomy and keep their ovaries have menopause about 1-4 years earlier than their expected menopause. For most women, menopause occurs at the same time and with the same symptoms as if they had not had a hysterectomy”.13

Menopause Symptoms

Are the menopause symptoms related to induced menopause similar to those from natural menopause?

In Menopause FAQs: Premature, Early, and Induced Menopause: Q. I’m facing a hysterectomy with removal of my ovaries, so I’m going to have an induced menopause. Is it different from natural menopause? the NAMS note:

“A. Menopause symptoms related to induced menopause can be similar to those from natural menopause, including hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness. But premenopausal women who experience induced menopause can have more intense symptoms, and therefore, a greater need for treatment to control them than women who undergo natural menopause. And because you may be going through menopause at a young age, you need ongoing monitoring and sometimes treatment to lower your risk of menopause-associated diseases, such as osteoporosis, later in life”.14

Hysterectomy or Not

What if I am unsure about having a hysterectomy?

The JH explain:

“Having a hysterectomy is major surgery. The decision to have a hysterectomy should only be made after you have been given adequate information about why you need one, how the surgery will be performed, what will happen to your body and what the consequences may be. It is also important to think about how you may feel about losing your uterus and whether you need help and support coping with those feelings”.15

In Hysterectomy the Womenshealth.gov answer questions about hysterectomy.

In Hysterectomy: Considerations the NHS explain some of the decisions you may be required to make.

In Hysterectomy: Questions To Think About the JH include questions you may like to consider “when thinking about whether or not to have a hysterectomy”.

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”.16

Health Care Provider

What if I do not bounced back after a hysterectomy?

If you do not bounce 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:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Hysterectomy?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

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  1. Abdominal Hysterectomy
  2. Abdominal Hysterectomy
  3. Archives: Videos – Managing Menopause In Women With Chronic Medical Conditions
  4. BMS & WHC’s 2020 Recommendations on Hormone Replacement Therapy In Menopausal Women
  5. Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  6. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  7. Bleeding After Hysterectomy: What’s Normal?
  8. Causes of Menopause
  9. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  10. Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  11. Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  12. Complementary and Herbal Therapies for Hot Flushes
  13. Consumer Health: Is Prophylactic Oophorectomy Right for You?
  14. Consumer Health: Menopause, Hormone Replacement Therapy and Heart Health
  15. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Resources and Information: Quick Links – 1. Question Prompt List Early Menopause Question Prompt List
  16. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Women’s Profiles
  17. Foundationforwomenscancer.org [Foundation for Women’s Cancer, United States] Hysterectomy
  18. HRT and the Risk of Breast Cancer Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  19. HRT: Benefits and Risks
  20. Heavy Bleeding
  21. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
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  40. Hysterectomy: Should You Have A Hysterectomy?
  41. Hysterectomy: What You Need To Know
  42. Hysterectomy: Why It’s Necessary
  43. Hystersisters.com [HysterSisters Women-To-Women Hysterectomy Support]
  44. Hystersisters.com: Need Answers? Ask Your HysterSisters
  45. Iapmd.org [International Association for Premenstrual Disorders]
  46. Iapmd.org [International Association for Premenstrual Disorders]: Peer Support Groups Hysterectomy
  47. Iapmd.org [International Association for Premenstrual Disorders]: Video Support Groups
  48. Is Testosterone the Answer To Low Libido?
  49. Making Sense of Menopausal Hormone Therapy Means Understanding the Benefits As Well As the Risks
  50. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  51. Mayo Clinic Minute: Lifestyle Changes To Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  52. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Estrogen Replacement Therapy After Ovary Removal
  53. Menopause
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  56. Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  57. Menopause FAQs: Premature, Early, and Induced Menopause: Q. I’m facing a hysterectomy with removal of my ovaries, so I’m going to have an induced menopause. Is it different from natural menopause?
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  65. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth
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  67. NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  68. Oestrogen Only Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  69. Oophorectomy (Ovary Removal Surgery)
  70. Osteoporosis Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  71. Ovarian Cancer: Still Possible After Hysterectomy?
  72. Ovary Removal (Oophorectomy): A Risk Factor for Dementia
  73. Pap Smear: Still Needed After Hysterectomy?
  74. Recovering Well From Gynaecological Procedures
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  76. Sexual Health – Sex After Hysterectomy
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  80. Types of Hysterectomy Surgery [+ Images]
  81. Understanding Premature & Early Menopause – Booklet
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  93. Webinars: Symposia – 2021 Vision: Practical Steps To Optimize Your Benefit-Risk. Discussions for A New Decade
  94. What Is A Hysterectomy?
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  96. Women’s Wellness: Hysterectomy Associated With Risk of Mental Health Issues
  97. Women’s Wellness: Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms
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  100. Women’s Wellness: Treating Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Without Hormones [+ Video]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Hysterectomy: What Is A Hysterectomy? Last Updated: 29 June 2021 | Last Reviewed: 14 May 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/hysterectomy/ Accessed: 04 September 2021
  2. Hysterectomy: What Is A Hysterectomy? Last Updated: 29 June 2021 | Last Reviewed: 14 May 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/hysterectomy/ Accessed: 04 September 2021
  3. Hysterectomy: Overview. Page Last Reviewed: 01 February 2019. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hysterectomy/ Accessed: 04 September 2021
  4. Glossary of Terms: Hysterectomy. Content Updated: January 2016. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/381-glossary-of-terms Accessed: 04 September 2021
  5. Vaginal Hysterectomy: Overview. 25 February 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/vaginal-hysterectomy/about/pac-20384541 Accessed: 04 September 2021
  6. Hysterectomy: Overview – Types of Hysterectomy. Page Last Reviewed: 01 February 2019. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hysterectomy/#types-of-hysterectomy Accessed: 04 September 2021
  7. Hysterectomy: What Is A Hysterectomy? Last Updated: 29 June 2021 | Last Reviewed: 14 May 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/hysterectomy/ Accessed: 04 September 2021
  8. Hysterectomy: Overview – Types of Hysterectomy. Page Last Reviewed: 01 February 2019. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hysterectomy/#types-of-hysterectomy Accessed: 04 September 2021
  9. Hysterectomy: Overview – Types of Hysterectomy. Page Last Reviewed: 01 February 2019. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hysterectomy/#types-of-hysterectomy Accessed: 04 September 2021
  10. Hysterectomy: What Is A Hysterectomy? Last Updated: 29 June 2021 | Last Reviewed: 14 May 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/hysterectomy/ Accessed: 04 September 2021
  11. Hysterectomy: How Common Are Hysterectomies? Page Last Updated: 01 April 2019. 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: 04 September 2021
  12. Hysterectomy: I’ve Had A Hysterectomy. Do I Still Need To Have Pap Tests? Page Last Updated: 01 April 2019. Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/hysterectomy?from=AtoZ Accessed: 04 September 2021
  13. Causes of Menopause: Induced Menopause – Menopause Due To Surgery: Hysterectomy. Last Updated: 23 March 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/causes-of-menopause Accessed: 04 September 2021
  14. Menopause FAQs: Premature, Early, and Induced Menopause: Q. I’m facing a hysterectomy with removal of my ovaries, so I’m going to have an induced menopause. Is it different from natural menopause? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-premature-early-and-induced-menopause Accessed: 04 September 2021
  15. Hysterectomy: What Is A Hysterectomy? Last Updated: 29 June 2021 | Last Reviewed: 14 May 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/hysterectomy/ Accessed: 04 September 2021
  16. Hysterectomy: Should You Have A Hysterectomy? Last Updated: 29 June 2021 | Last Reviewed: 14 May 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/hysterectomy/ Accessed: 04 September 2021

Topic Last Updated: 04 September 2021 – Topic Last Reviewed: 04 September 2021
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