Hysterectomy Explained: When It's Needed and What To Expect

A hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus. After the procedure, you won’t be able to get pregnant, and you won’t have menstrual periods. Hysterectomies are a commonly performed procedure in the U.S.

If you’ve been told you will need this surgery to address persistent pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding or other issues, you might have questions. For example, you may wonder when a hysterectomy is needed or which type of hysterectomy is best. This article addresses those critical questions.

Why Hysterectomy Is Done

Hysterectomy surgery removes the uterus and, typically, the cervix. Depending on your condition, the surgeon might also remove your fallopian tubes, ovaries and surrounding tissue.

Your provider might recommend a hysterectomy for several reasons, including:

• Severe pelvic pain
• Heavy or abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Noncancerous tumors like uterine fibroids
• Uterine prolapse that can cause urinary or fecal incontinence
• Gynecologic cancers, including cervical, ovarian or uterine cancer
• Problems affecting the uterine lining, including endometriosis, hyperplasia, uterine polyps or adenomyosis
• Uterine rupture or other severe complications of childbirth

In addition, some people at high risk of certain cancers have hysterectomy surgery to reduce their risk.

Types of Hysterectomies

There are four main types of hysterectomies:

• Total hysterectomy. The surgeon removes your uterus and cervix but leaves your ovaries in place.
• Supracervical hysterectomy. Sometimes called a partial hysterectomy, this procedure removes the upper part of your uterus but leaves the cervix.
• Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. In this procedure, the surgeon removes the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Removing the ovaries causes symptoms of menopause to begin.
• Radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. This surgery, which is performed when cancer is present, removes the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, the upper portion of the vagina and surrounding tissue and lymph nodes.

The best type of hysterectomy for you will depend on the condition being treated.

What To Expect Before, During and After a Hysterectomy

Preparation for a hysterectomy will vary based on the type. However, expect these general preparation steps:

• Stop aspirin or other blood-thinning medications a week before surgery.
• Avoid food or beverages several hours before surgery.
• Quit smoking for a few days before the procedures.
• Pack a bag in case a hospital stay is required.
• Arrange transportation home from the hospital.

Hysterectomies typically last between one and three hours, depending on the type and the way the procedure is performed. Hysterectomies can be performed vaginally (the uterus is removed through the vagina), abdominally (through a small incision below the belly button), or laparoscopically (using small incisions in the abdomen).

Typically, patients who have a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy go home the same day following an observation period. If you have an abdominal hysterectomy, you’ll likely stay in the hospital for a few days.

Hysterectomy recovery time for a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy is three to four weeks. For an abdominal hysterectomy, the recovery time is six to eight weeks. In either case, your provider will explain activities you must avoid during recovery, including lifting heavy objects, pushing and pulling objects, swimming, bending, sexual intercourse, using tampons and douching.

Talk With Your Provider About Hysterectomy Surgery

If you’re scheduled for a hysterectomy and have questions or concerns, talk with your provider. They can explain the procedure and why you need it.

You can find a Baptist Health provider using our online directory if you don’t have one.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

Learn More About Robotic Surgery at Baptist Health
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Endometrial Ablation vs. Hysterectomy
Tips for Recovery After a Hysterectomy