Complete hysterectomy surgery

A hysterectomy can be considered for conditions such as fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis, heavy periods, womb cancer, cervical cancer or endometrial hyperplasia. The operation may be performed through the abdomen, vagina or keyhole instruments. Removing the womb means you will no longer have periods and cannot carry a pregnancy. If the ovaries remain, they can continue making hormones; removing them causes an immediate loss of ovarian hormone production and may bring menopausal symptoms.

Before surgery, discuss exactly which organs will be removed, the route of surgery, alternatives and how fertility or menopause may be affected. Arrange help with transport, meals and lifting during recovery. Follow wound-care, bathing, activity and medicine instructions. Gentle walking is encouraged when the surgical team says it is suitable, while strenuous activity and vaginal sex usually wait until healing is checked. Keep follow-up appointments so pathology results and ongoing treatment can be reviewed.

Contact the surgical team urgently for heavy bleeding, worsening abdominal pain, fever, a red or draining wound, repeated vomiting, painful urination, calf swelling or breathlessness. Sudden chest pain or severe breathing difficulty needs emergency help. Emotional changes, grief about fertility or new menopausal symptoms also deserve support rather than being endured alone.

Ask why hysterectomy is being advised, whether the ovaries and tubes will stay, which surgical route is planned and what complications to watch for. Ask about fertility, hormone treatment, recovery time, pathology results and when normal activities can resume.