What should you know about half hysterectomy?

“Half hysterectomy” is an informal term often used for a subtotal or supracervical hysterectomy. The surgeon removes the main part of the womb and keeps the cervix, the lower portion that connects towards the vagina. This differs from a total hysterectomy, which removes the womb and cervix.

The ovaries are separate organs and are not automatically removed. If they remain, they can continue releasing hormones until natural menopause, although the operation itself stops menstrual bleeding from the womb. Removing the ovaries is a different procedure and should be discussed separately.

Doctors may consider this operation for problems such as fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis, heavy periods, or selected womb conditions when medicines or less invasive options have not provided enough relief. The reason for surgery affects whether keeping the cervix is suitable.

Before surgery, ask which organs will be removed, which surgical route is planned, and whether a biopsy or other assessment is needed. Tell the surgical team about medicines, allergies, anaemia, previous operations, and any chance of pregnancy.

Afterwards, follow the discharge instructions about wound care, walking, bathing, lifting, driving, and returning to work or sex. Tiredness, abdominal discomfort, constipation, and light vaginal discharge can occur during recovery. Gradually increasing activity is usually more comfortable than trying to resume everything at once.

Because the cervix remains, cervical screening may still be needed according to local guidance. Confirm the follow-up plan even if bleeding has stopped. Seek advice about persistent pain, urinary symptoms, bowel changes, or discharge rather than assuming they are part of normal healing.

Contact your surgical team promptly for bleeding that is becoming heavier, fever, worsening pain, redness or pus around an incision, foul-smelling discharge, repeated vomiting, or difficulty passing urine. Urgent assessment is needed for sudden chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, or a painful swollen leg, because these can signal a serious complication.

If symptoms were the reason for surgery and they continue or return, arrange a review. A half hysterectomy does not remove every possible source of pelvic pain, and keeping the cervix or ovaries can affect which symptoms need further assessment.

Ask: Why is this operation recommended for me? Will my cervix, ovaries, or fallopian tubes remain? What alternatives are reasonable? Which symptoms should improve, and which may not? How will the operation be performed? When can I return to usual activities, and what follow-up or cervical screening will I need?