A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the uterus (womb) and cervix. The fallopian tubes and ovaries may also be removed in some cases.
Immediately following a hysterectomy, patients may stay in the hospital for several days and it can take up to 4 months for recovery, depending on the type of procedure and the reasons it was performed.
A hysterectomy should provide relief from the symptoms of the condition which necessitated the surgery.
The two most noticeable side effects of removal of the uterus include:
- Pregnancy is no longer possible
- Menstrual periods will stop
If the ovaries are not removed along with the uterus, other menopause symptoms will not happen right away, though menopausal symptoms may occur a little earlier than the average age for menopause, which is 52 years.
Other side effects that may occur after a hysterectomy include:
- Changes in sexual desire/responsiveness
- Vaginal dryness
- Reduced interest in sex (especially when the ovaries are also removed)
- Menopausal symptoms, if the ovaries are also removed
- Because hormone levels drop quickly, symptoms may be more intense than would occur with natural menopause
- Common menopausal symptoms include:
- Hot flashes (the most common symptom)
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness that can cause discomfort, itching, or pain during sex
- Decreased interest in sex
- Urinary incontinence
- Sleep problems such as insomnia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Problems with memory and concentration
- Grief or depression over the loss of fertility or bodily changes
- Increased risk for other health problems
- If both ovaries are removed, there may be an increased risk for:
Possible side effects that are complications of hysterectomy may include:
Why Is A Hysterectomy Performed?
A hysterectomy is performed to treat various conditions, such as:
- Uterine cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Some cases of cervical cancer
- Other conditions that can cause disabling levels of pain, abnormal uterine bleeding, and emotional stress
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Uterine prolapse
- Adenomyosis
What Are Different Types of Hysterectomies?
There are different types of hysterectomies, depending on what other structures are removed along with the uterus.
- Total hysterectomy
- The most common type of hysterectomy
- Removal of all of the uterus, including the cervix
- Ovaries and fallopian tubes may or may not be removed
- Partial hysterectomy (also called subtotal or supracervical hysterectomy)
- Removal of only the upper part of the uterus, leaving the cervix in place
- Ovaries may or may not be removed
- Radical hysterectomy
The decision to remove the ovaries usually depends on the reason for the hysterectomy. Ovaries may be removed in some patients to lower the risk for ovarian cancer. Ovaries are often left intact in patients who are not at risk for ovarian cancer because they produce estrogen, which helps protect against conditions such as heart disease and osteoporosis.
From
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/267273
https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/hysterectomy
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/menopause-beyond-the-basics?search=Menopause&source=search_result&selectedTitle=3~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=3
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/805517