Is a hysterectomy the right choice? What to know before and after surgery

The thought of a hysterectomy can feel daunting, many women feel scared about this surgery. Yet, hysterectomy is a common procedure that can greatly improve quality of life in the right circumstances. In women with severe bleeding, fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis or cancer, the improvement of their pathology after hysterectomy has been huge. A gynecologist will be the one in charge of indicating if you are a possible candidate for hysterectomy. Doctify as a trusted resource for connecting with experienced gynaecologists.

What Is a Hysterectomy?

Hysterectomy is the surgical procedure performed by a gynaecologist, in which the uterus is removed, with or without other female reproductive organs like the cervix, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. The types include: total hysterectomy (removal of uterus and cervix), subtotal/partial (uterus only), or radical (includes surrounding tissues, sometimes ovaries). It is important for patients to know that pregnancy is no longer possible after the procedure.

Indications for a Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is usually considered after less invasive treatments have been tried. It can be indicated in multiple situations, some examples include:

• Fibroids: large, painful, or causing heavy bleeding.
• Severe bleeding: heavy, prolonged, or irregular periods, unresponsive to medications or other treatments.
• Cancer: indicated to treat or prevent cancer of the uterus, ovaries, cervix, or fallopian tube
• Adenomyosis: a condition where the uterine lining grows into the muscle wall, leading to severe menstrual pain and bleeding.
• Endometriosis: a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus.
• Chronic pelvic pain: persistent pelvic pain not caused by another identifiable condition.
• Pelvic organ prolapse: the weakening of the tissues supporting the uterus and vaginal walls, causing the uterus to descend, can be treated with a hysterectomy.
• Gender affirmation: a hysterectomy can be part of the surgical care for transgender men and nonbinary people to align their bodies with their gender identity.

Surgical Approaches

The surgical options are many, it is very important to discuss with your surgeon which approach is safest for your situation. There is an option for minimally invasive surgery: laparoscopic or robotic-assisted — smaller cuts, shorter hospital stay, quicker recovery. Also, there is also the option of vaginal hysterectomy: no external cuts, faster healing. Finally, there is the option for open abdominal surgery: used for complex cases.

Risks and Considerations

Some common and temporary effects may appear, such as: pain, bleeding, and fatigue. As well, the surgery can have possible risks, for example: infection, blood clots, or injury to nearby organs. Also, it is important to take into consideration that after the surgery some women may feel a sense of loss, while others feel relief. It is important to have realistic expectations and clear conversations with your gynaecologist.

Recovery After Hysterectomy

After hysterectomy, a careful recovery is fundamental. A hospital stay for 1–5 days depending on the approach. The recovery time will depend on the type of surgery, for open surgery 4–6 weeks, while for minimally invasive surgery 2–4 weeks. During the recovery period the patient should avoid heavy lifting, they will gradually return to normal routines. Lastly, psychological recovery is necessary, as well as physical recovery.

Long-Term Outlook

After recovery, the patient will feel relief from heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or cancer-related concerns. A few hormonal changes can occur if ovaries are removed, this is called surgical menopause. It is very important to continue follow-up care and checkups with your gynaecologist.

Alternatives to Consider

Hysterectomy is not the only option, alternatives may be suitable depending on the condition. These alternatives include medication for fibroids or heavy bleeding, endometrial ablation or myomectomy, and hormonal treatments. The gynaecologists will decide which option suits you best.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Below are some questions you could consider asking to your gynaecologists during the consultation.

• Do I need a hysterectomy now, or can I try alternatives first?
• Which surgical approach is best for me?
• What is my recovery likely to look like?
• How will this affect my long-term health?
• Will I feel relieved of my symptoms after the surgery?

Conclusion

A hysterectomy can be life-changing for women with severe symptoms, but it’s a major decision. Indications for hysterectomy include: fibroids, severe bleeding, cancer, adenomyosis, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, or even gender affirmation. With the right support and a skilled gynaecologist, recovery and outcomes are often very positive. We invite you to use Doctify to find an experienced gynaecologist for personalised advice.

Feel free to consult a gynaecologist through Doctify for personalised advice whenever you want, we will be happy to help you! Find the best gynaecologyists in the United Kingdom or search for the best specialists globally:

• Gynaecologists in the United Arab Emirates
• Gynaecologists in Germany
• Gynaecologists in Austria
• Gynaecologists in Ireland
• Gynaecologists in Australia

Medically Reviewed
Last reviewed on 01/10/2025