What should you know about preventative hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy removes the uterus, so pregnancy is no longer possible and menstrual bleeding stops. The cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries may or may not be removed; these are separate decisions. Removing both ovaries causes an abrupt loss of ovarian hormones and brings on surgical menopause, while keeping them may allow natural hormone production to continue until menopause. The operation may be considered when a person has a substantial inherited cancer risk, a condition that can progress toward womb cancer, or another serious reason where removing the womb is part of risk management. It is different from treating a symptom alone: heavy periods or pelvic pain can have many causes, including [Uterine Fibroids](/conditions/uterine-fibroids/) and [Endometriosis](/conditions/endometriosis/).

Ask why surgery is being offered now and what risk it is intended to reduce. Review alternatives such as monitoring, medicines, a procedure that preserves the uterus, or removal of only selected organs when appropriate. Discuss fertility preservation before treatment if having a future pregnancy matters to you. Your clinician can explain the surgical route, expected recovery, possible effects on bladder or bowel function, and whether hormone treatment might be suitable if the ovaries are removed. Bring a list of medicines, previous operations, family cancer history, and any plans for pregnancy. For background, you may also read about [Endometrial Hyperplasia](/conditions/endometrial-hyperplasia/) and [Womb Cancer](/conditions/endometrial-cancer/).

Before surgery, arrange prompt medical review for new heavy bleeding, bleeding after sex, bleeding after menopause, worsening pelvic pain, fever, or unusual discharge. After surgery, contact your surgical team urgently for heavy bleeding, chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, a painful swollen leg, fever, worsening abdominal pain, or a wound that becomes red and drains pus. Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, collapse, or chest pain. Symptoms such as [Heavy Periods](/symptoms/heavy-periods/) and [Pelvic Pain](/symptoms/pelvic-pain/) deserve assessment even when a preventative operation is not planned.

What specific risk does this operation address, and how was that risk assessed? What alternatives could preserve my uterus or ovaries? Which organs would you remove, and why? How might the operation affect fertility, menopause symptoms, sexual function, and recovery? What warning signs should prompt a call after surgery?