Doctor
Schedule

Overview of Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is a surgery to remove the uterus – or womb – and treat health problems that affect your reproductive system. Since a baby grows inside the womb, you cannot get pregnant after this procedure. Also, you’ll stop having periods, regardless of your age.

This procedure is more common in women between the age of 40-50.

Why Hysterectomy is Done?

You may need this surgery for several reasons:

  • Ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, cervical cancer, or cancer of the fallopian tubes
  • Non-cancerous tumors (fibroids)
  • Long-term pelvic pain
  • Heavy periods

You should only consider it after less invasive treatments didn’t work. Because it is major surgery with a long recovery time.

How It’s Done?

There are different ways to perform the surgery according to your needs. For example, a partial hysterectomy just removes the uterus, leaving your cervix intact. On the other hand, a total hysterectomy removes the womb and cervix both.

Sometimes, doctors need to remove one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes as well.

Your doctor considers;

  • why do you need the operation
  • how much of your womb and surrounding reproductive system is salvable

There are 3 methods to carry out the surgery:

  • Laparoscopic (keyhole surgery) – they remove the womb through a small cut in your tummy
  • Vaginal – they remove your womb through a cut in the top of the vagina
  • Abdominal – they remove the womb through a cut in your lower tummy

Types of Hysterectomy

  • Total hysterectomy
  • Subtotal Hysterectomy
  • Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
  • Radical hysterectomy

Recovery Time

After surgery, you stay at the hospital for up to 5 days and fully recover in 6 to 8 weeks. However, recovery time can vary based on the type of hysterectomy.

During recovery, rest as much as you can, and do not lift anything heavy. Because you need time for your muscles and tissues to heal.

Surgical Menopause

If your doctor removes the ovaries, you go through menopause right after surgery. Additionally, your age isn’t a factor for surgical menopause. However, if one or both of the ovaries are intact, you may enter menopause within 5 years after surgery.

Hormone replacement therapy may replace the hormones and relieve any menopausal symptoms such as:

  • Sweating
  • Disturbed sleep
  • Hot flushes

If you have cancer, surgery can be your only option for treatment. However, for other health problems, ask yourself these questions before deciding to have surgery:

  • Are my symptoms affecting my life?
  • Have I sought other treatment options?
  • Am I ready for early menopause?
  • Do I want to have children in the future?

Moreover, you may need to decide whether to have the cervix or ovaries removed as well as your womb. Your personal feelings and medical history are important factors in making this decision.

Get Ready for Hysterectomy

You should be as fit and healthy as possible before having a hysterectomy. Thus, complication risk will be low and you’ll heal faster.

For example, quit smoking, follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and lose weight.

You may be also interested in…

In Istanbul Medical Assistance your comfort during or after all kinds of procedures is our priority. Whether you are looking for more information, an initial evaluation, or a second opinion, do not hesitate to contact us via Whatsapp at +90 530 884 47 22 and we will get back to you as quickly as we can.