Hysterectomy for heavy bleeding

Heavy bleeding may come from Uterine Fibroids, Adenomyosis, Endometrial Hyperplasia or another uterine problem. Assessment can include a pelvic examination, blood tests and imaging; the exact checks depend on your symptoms and age. Options before hysterectomy may include medicines, a hormone-releasing device, treatment aimed at fibroids or an endometrial procedure. These choices have different effects on fertility and bleeding. A hysterectomy ends periods and pregnancy permanently, while the effect on hormones depends on whether the ovaries are removed. Removing the cervix can also affect the need for future screening.

Describe how often you change pads or tampons, whether bleeding occurs between periods, and whether you feel tired or short of breath. Ask whether anaemia needs treatment before surgery. Compare the abdominal, vaginal and keyhole approaches, recovery expectations, and what happens to the ovaries and cervix. Discuss fertility and sexual health openly. Bring a medicine list and follow instructions about medicines that can increase bleeding.

Seek urgent care if heavy bleeding causes faintness, marked weakness, breathlessness, chest pain or severe pelvic pain. Contact your surgical team after the operation for increasing bleeding, fever, worsening pain, foul-smelling discharge or a wound that is hot and red. A gradual improvement is expected during healing; a sudden deterioration deserves review.

What is causing my bleeding? Which non-surgical options fit my goals? Will my ovaries and cervix stay? How could each surgical route affect recovery, fertility and future screening?