Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedureto removethe womb (uterus). You'll no longer be able to get pregnant after the operation.
If you haven't already gone throughthe Testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism) , you'll no longer have periods, regardless of your age. The menopauseiswhen a woman's monthly periods stop, which usually occurs from the ages of to 45 to 55.
Around 30,500hysterectomieswere carried out in England in 2012 and 2013. It's more common for women aged 40-50 to have a hysterectomy.
Hysterectomies are carried out to treat conditions that affect the female reproductive system, including:
A hysterectomy is a major operation with a long recovery time and is only considered after alternative, less invasive, treatments have been tried.
The type you have depends onwhy you needthe operationand how much of yourwomb and surrounding reproductive system can safely be left in place.
The main types of hysterectomy are:
There are three ways to carry out a hysterectomy:
You can be in hospital for up to five days after surgery, and it takes about six to eight weeks to fully recover. Recovery times can also vary, depending on the type of hysterectomy.
Rest as much as possible during this time and don't lift anything heavy, such as bags of shopping. You need time for your abdominal muscles and tissues to heal.
This is known as a surgical menopause.
If one or both of your ovaries are left intact, there's a chance you'll experiencethe menopause within five years of having your operation.
If you experience a surgical menopause after having a hysterectomy,you should be offered hormone replacement therapy (HRT) .
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A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the womb (uterus). You'll no longer be able to get pregnant after the operation.
A hysterectomy is sometimes recommended to treat heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic inflammatory disease, prolapse of the uterus, endometriosis, or fibroids.
If you have a hysterectomy, as well as having your womb removed, you may have to decide whether to have your cervix or ovaries removed.
There are different types of hysterectomy. The operation you have will depend on the reason for surgery and how much of your womb and reproductive system can safely be left in place.
After having a hysterectomy, you may wake up feeling tired and in some pain. This is normal after this type of surgery, and you will be given painkillers to help reduce any pain and discomfort.
Aswithall types of surgery, a hysterectomy can lead to complications. These can include bleeding, infections and thrombosis.
Jayne Watkins, an admin manager, had a vaginal hysterectomy in June 2006.
Susan Carlton from Lincoln, Lincolnshire, had an abdominal hysterectomy in 2002. She lives with her husband Richard and three children.