I want a hysterectomy

A hysterectomy removes the womb, so carrying a pregnancy afterward is not possible. The cervix may or may not be removed, and the fallopian tubes or ovaries may be treated separately. Removing the ovaries causes an abrupt loss of ovarian hormones; keeping them may allow hormone production to continue until natural menopause. These choices depend on your health, age, symptoms, and reason for surgery.

Hysterectomy may be considered for troublesome bleeding or pain linked with Uterine Fibroids, Adenomyosis, Endometriosis, or other womb conditions. It can also form part of treatment for Endometrial Cancer, Cervical Cancer, or selected Endometrial Hyperplasia. A consultation should explain alternatives, expected recovery, and what happens if surgery is postponed.

Write down how Heavy Periods, Pelvic Pain, pressure, anaemia symptoms, or disrupted sleep affect you, along with treatments already tried and whether future pregnancy matters to you. Ask whether medication, a device, targeted procedures, or monitoring could address the problem. If surgery is proposed, ask about the route through the abdomen, vagina, or keyhole techniques, hospital stay, activity restrictions, and support at home.

Clarify whether the cervix, tubes, and ovaries would remain, how this affects contraception and screening, and whether hormone treatment might be discussed. You can ask for time to consider the options and another consultation if the decision feels rushed.

Seek prompt care for very heavy bleeding with weakness or breathlessness, severe or rapidly worsening pelvic pain, fainting, fever, or new pregnancy-related concerns. After surgery, urgent advice is needed for heavy bleeding, worsening pain, fever, wound redness or discharge, chest pain, breathlessness, or a painful swollen leg.

What problem is surgery intended to treat? What alternatives are reasonable for me? Which organs would be removed, and why? How would each option affect fertility, hormones, sex, bladder function, and screening? What recovery support and warning signs should I plan for?