What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is major surgery where your uterus (womb) is removed. There are different types of hysterectomies where different organs of your female reproductive system are removed, such as:

• subtotal or partial hysterectomy — your uterus is removed
• total hysterectomy — your uterus and cervix are removed
• radical hysterectomy — your uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and some lymph nodes are removed

If you have a hysterectomy you might also have a:

• oophorectomy — one or both ovaries are removed
• salpingectomy — one or both fallopian tubes are removed

Your doctor will talk to you about the best option for you.

If your uterus is removed, you will stop getting your period. You will also no longer be able to become pregnant.

If your ovaries are also removed, you will go into menopause.

What are the benefits of a hysterectomy?

There are different reasons why your doctor may recommend a hysterectomy. It may be to treat:

• cancer of your uterus, cervix, tubes or ovaries
• heavy menstrual bleeding that hasn't improved with other treatments
• fibroids (non-cancerous lumps) in your uterus
• a prolapsed uterus
• severe chronic (ongoing) pelvic pain — for example, due to endometriosis or adenomyosis
• pelvic inflammatory disease

Rarely, you might need an emergency hysterectomy if you have uncontrolled bleeding from your uterus that can't be stopped in any other way. This can happen after you give birth.

What does a hysterectomy involve?

There are different ways your surgery can be done, including:

• abdominal — your uterus is removed through a cut in your abdomen
• vaginal — your uterus is removed through your vagina
• laparoscopic — a camera and instruments are passed through small cuts in your abdomen to remove the uterus

During your hysterectomy surgery, you will have a general anaesthetic. The length of your surgery depends on which technique is used. Usually it takes about an hour.

You will discuss the treatment options with your doctor, who will answer any questions you have. Together, you'll consider the benefits and risks of surgery.

How can I prepare myself for a hysterectomy?

Leading up to your hysterectomy, you can prepare yourself physically and emotionally. This will help you have as best a recovery as possible.

Deciding to have a hysterectomy can be daunting. You can prepare yourself emotionally by:

• speaking with your doctor, counsellor or someone close to you if you are feeling anxious or worried about your surgery, sexuality or fertility
• making sure you have answers to any questions you have — why you need to have a hysterectomy, what type of surgery you will have, risks, benefits and recovery
• establishing a support network to help you cope as you recover

You can prepare yourself physically by:

• making any changes to your lifestyle to improve your health such as doing some physical activity or eating well
• completing medical tests your doctor asks for
• clarifying which of the medicines you take regularly need to be paused before your surgery

It is important you follow any instructions your healthcare team gives you.

Read about how to find the right health professional.

Read more about preparing for surgery.

How soon will I recover?

After your hysterectomy, you will be in hospital for 2 to 5 days. During your recovery you may experience:

• nausea or vomiting
• vaginal bleeding
• swollen abdomen
• pain — your doctors will give you medicines to reduce your pain

How much pain you feel and for how long can depend on the type of surgery you had.

You will be limited in what you can do. For example, you will need to take time off from your work. You will need to avoid doing anything physically demanding, such as lifting heavy things. You will also avoid penetrative (vaginal and anal) sex for 4 to 6 weeks.

Gradually, you will feel yourself again. It could take up to 5 - 7 weeks after surgery for you to be able to return to your regular activities.

Contact your doctor if you notice any signs of complications, such as:

• your wound becomes red or more painful
• you notice a bad-smelling discharge
• your bleeding is heavier than a typical period
• you have a fever or feel sick
• you are having trouble passing urine (wee) or bowel motions (poo)

If you have a vaginal hysterectomy, your recovery may be quicker than an abdominal hysterectomy.

If your ovaries were removed, your doctor might suggest you take menopausal hormone therapy (MHT - also sometimes called hormone replacement therapy, or HRT).

If your cervix is not removed, you will need to continue having cervical screening tests. If your cervix is removed, your doctor will tell you if you need to continue screening. It will depend on your individual situation.

Read about pain relief after surgery.

What complications can happen?

A hysterectomy is a common and safe surgery with some risks of complications, such as:

• bleeding
• infection of your surgical wound
• urinary tract infections
• blood clots
• injury to organs near the uterus, such as your bladder, ureters or bowel
• allergic reaction to the anaesthetic

Are there alternatives to a hysterectomy?

Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend other treatment options including medicines or other medical procedures.

There are many reasons why you may need a hysterectomy. Speak with your doctor for advice on treatments that can help you.

What will happen if I decide not to have the procedure or it is delayed?

If you decide not to have a hysterectomy, your doctors will tell you what your risks are for choosing not to have a hysterectomy. This is called informed consent. Informed consent means that you must be given enough information about your options to make the right decision for you and your health. Your doctors will also let you know what your alternative options are.

You have the right to ask for a second opinion.

If there is a delay in your surgery, your doctor will do their best to look after your health.

Read about informed consent.

Resources and support

• The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) have published a detailed factsheet about hysterectomy.
• Jean Hailes for Women's Health offers a fact sheet on different types of hysterectomy, what to consider and what to expect.
• Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 at any time to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for more information and advice about hysterectomy.

Other languages

• Jean Hailes for Women's Health has a wide range of factsheets, including one on hysterectomy, translated into many community languages.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

• Luma has an Aboriginal Women's Service (AWS) that offers support for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.