A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the womb (uterus). You’ll no longer be able to get pregnant after the operation.
If you haven’t already gone through the Menopause, you’ll no longer have periods, regardless of your age. The menopause is when a woman’s monthly periods stop, which usually occurs from the ages of to 45 to 55.
Around 30,500 hysterectomies were 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.
If you have a hysterectomy, as well as having your womb removed, you may have to decide whether to also have your cervix or ovaries removed.
Your decision will usually be based on your personal feelings, medical history and any recommendations your doctor may have.
There are various types of hysterectomy. The type you have depends on why you need the operation and how much of your womb 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:
There’s a small risk of complications, including:
A hysterectomy is a major operation. 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.
If your ovaries are removed during a hysterectomy, you’ll go through the menopause immediately after the operation, regardless of your age. This is known as a surgical menopause.
If one or both of your ovaries are left intact, there’s a chance you’ll experience the 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).
The female reproductive system is made up of the:
Read More ON:
Infertility
Causes of Infertility
Diagnosing Infertility
Preventing Infertility
Infertility Treatment
Infertility complications
Molar Pregnancy
Ectopic Pregnancy
Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy
Diagnosing Ectopic Pregnancy
Treating Ectopic Pregnancy
Miscarriage
Symptoms of Miscarriage
Causes of Miscarriage
Diagnosing Miscarriage
Preventing Miscarriage
What Happens if you Have a Miscarriage
Menopause
Symptoms of Menopause
Menopause Treatment
Sex After Menopause
Female Sexual Problems
Hormone Replacements Therapy
SOURCE: NHS UK
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Hysterectomy/Pages/Introduction.aspx