A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, usually done by a gynecologist. Hysterectomy may be total (removing the body and cervix of the uterus) or partial (also called supra-cervical). In many cases, surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) is performed concurrent with a hysterectomy. The surgery is then called "total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy."
Women who have total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy surgeries lose most of their ability to produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone and subsequently enter what is known as "surgically-induced menopause" (as opposed to normal menopause, which occurs naturally in women as part of the aging process). In women under the age of 50, hormone supplements (usually estrogen) are often prescribed as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to offset the negative effects of sudden hormonal loss (most notably an increased risk for early-onset osteoporosis). This treatment is somewhat controversial due to the known carcinogenic and coagulative properties of estrogen; however, many physicians and patients feel the benefits outweigh the risks in women who would otherwise be "too young" to be in full-blown menopause.
Although many hysterectomies are performed via a full abdominal incision laparotomy, two common surgical approaches which are less invasive are laparoscopically or vaginally. Surgery with ovarian conservation is an option for the pre-menopausal patient with benign disease (non cancer).
More on [ Hysterectomy ]

Christchurch Women's Hospital: Hysterectomy Support Group - Includes meeting times of New Zealand group, description of the procedure, and advice on dealing with the procedure.
Meta Description: [ THE SEARCH DESCRIPTION GOES HERE ]
HERS Foundation - Non-profit education organization providing full, accurate information about hysterectomy, its adverse effects, and alternative treatments.
Meta Description: [ Hysterectomy Alternatives & Consequences - information, alternative treatments, HERS, An independent non-profit women's health education organization providing information about hysterectomy, its adverse effects and alternative treatments. ]
HysterCity - Forum for women who have had a hysterectomy, had a doctor suggest they need one, or are trying to decide whether to have one. Includes book reviews.
Meta Description: [ Woman To Woman - Heart To Heart ]
Hysterectomy Association - Provides information for women facing hysterectomy so they can make informed choices. Includes description of the procedure, alternatives, long-term effects, and terminology. Also features a mailing list.
HysterSisters - Community includes forums and a database of articles with information for women who have experienced the procedure and recovery.
Meta Description: [ Hysterectomy information recovery and support website, women to women, pre-op to post-op support - HysterSisters.com. Hysterectomy information with support discussions, resources, hysterectomy products, hysterectomy journals and more. ]
Sans Uteri - Subscription-only forum discussing the physical and emotional challenges hysterectomy can create. Site includes advice on what to do before and after surgery, problems with the procedure, and what to listen for when talking to doctors about the procedure. Includes a list of resources and organizations.
Meta Description: [ Sans Uteri is a forum discussing the physical & emotional challenges hysterectomy can create. ]
The Hyster Spot - Support and patient information in a forum covering preoperative and postoperative experiences, alternatives, and moving on in life.
VoyForums: Hysterectomy - Forum offers advice and conversation with women who have had the operation.
Meta Description: [ Hysterectomy- talk woman to woman with those that have been through surgery. ]
| Night Before Surgery | |
| Next Video | |