What is a hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. Different portions of the uterus, as well as other organs, may be removed at the same time.

Reasons for having a hysterectomy:

The following are several possible causes or reasons for hysterectomy:

• fibroid tumors
  Non-malignant tumors may grow and become large, causing pressure on other organs and possibly heavy bleeding or pelvic pain.
   

• endometriosis
  Endometrial cells sometimes grow outside of the uterus, attach themselves to other organs in the pelvic cavity, and bleed each month in accordance with an ovarian cycle. This can result in chronic pelvic pain, pain during sex, and prolonged or heavy bleeding.
   

• endometrial hyperplasia
  A cause of abnormal bleeding, this over-thickening of the uterine lining is often due to the presence of very high levels of estrogen.
   

• cancer
  Approximately 10 percent of hysterectomies are performed to treat cancer - either cervical, ovarian, or endometrial.
   

• blockage of the bladder or intestines
  A hysterectomy may be performed if there is a blockage of the bladder or intestines by the uterus or a growth.

What are the different types of hysterectomy?

• total hysterectomy
  Includes the removal of the entire uterus, including the fundus (the part of the uterus above the openings of the fallopian tubes) and the cervix, but not the ovaries. This is the most common type of hysterectomy.
   

• hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy
  Includes the removal of one or both ovaries, and sometimes the fallopian tubes, along with the uterus.
   

• radical hysterectomy
  Includes the removal of the uterus, cervix, the top portion of the vagina, most of the tissue that surrounds the cervix in the pelvic cavity, and may include the removal of the pelvic lymph nodes. This is done in some cases of cancer.
   

• supracervical hysterectomy (partial or subtotal hysterectomy)
  Removal of the body of the uterus while leaving the cervix intact.
  
  Getting back to normal
  Returning to work
  How long it will take for you to return to work will depend on how you feel and what sort of work you do. If your job does not involve manual work or heavy lifting, it may be possible to return after four to eight weeks.
  Exercise and lifting
  You should be given some information after your operation on suitable forms of exercise during your recovery period. Walking is always recommended and you can swim after your wounds have healed. You should not try to do too much as you will probably feel more tired than normal.
  You should not lift any heavy objects during your recovery. If you lift light objects you should make sure that your knees are bent and your back is straight.
  Contraception
  Contraception to prevent pregnancy is no longer required after you have had a hysterectomy. You will still need to use condoms to protect yourself against sexually transmitted infections.
  Sex
  It is generally recommended that you do not have sex until your vaginal discharge has stopped and you feel comfortable and relaxed, or after a minimum of six weeks have passed.
  You may experience some vaginal dryness, especially if you have had your ovaries removed and you are not taking HRT. Many women also experience an initial loss of sexual desire (libido) after the operation, but this normally returns once they have fully recovered.
  Studies show that pain during intercourse is reduced, and orgasm, strength of orgasm, libido (desire for sex) and sexual activity all improve following a hysterectomy.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   

Operative Procedure

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