Hysterectomy is an operation to remove the uterus (womb). The surgery may or may not also remove the cervix, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. In Australia , about 32,000 hysterectomies are performed each year, or about 255 per 100,000 women.
Hysterectomy is a common surgical procedure, predominantly performed when women are between 30 and 50 years old. One in 3 women in Australia has had a hysterectomy by the time they are 60 years old, and 30% have both ovaries removed at the time of surgery.
The percentage of women aged ≥50 years who have had a hysterectomy decreased from 36.6% in 2008 to 31.7% in 2018. Decreases were also observed among non-Hispanic white women (37.5% to 33.3%) and Hispanic women (30.3% to 22.6%), but there was no significant decrease for non-Hispanic black women (40.4% to 36.8%).
About half a million hysterectomies are performed each year in the U.S. It is the second most common surgical procedure for women, after cesarean delivery (C-section). Most hysterectomies are performed between the ages of 40 and 50.
A hysterectomy is major surgery to remove the uterus, or womb.
Vaginal problems
If you have a vaginal hysterectomy, there's a risk of problems at the top of your vagina where the cervix was removed. This could range from infection or slow wound healing after the operation to prolapse in later years.
Does a hysterectomy cause rapid aging? Having a hysterectomy is a big change for your body. Depending on where you are in your menopause journey, this type of procedure can cause hormonal changes resulting in different side effects. A hysterectomy by itself usually doesn't affect your hormones and aging as much.
The length of a hysterectomy operation depends upon many factors, but in general lasts between 2 and 5 hours. With any laparoscopic surgery, there is always a potential for needing to convert to an open surgery with a larger incision if the hysterectomy cannot be completed with small incisions.
Most women who have a hysterectomy, however, will stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days, maybe even longer if you have a hysterectomy due to cancer. Recovery may take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the type of hysterectomy you have. A hysterectomy will cause menopause if you also have your ovaries removed.
Hysterectomy is one treatment for many diseases and conditions. A hysterectomy may save your life if: • you have cancer of the uterus or ovaries, or • your uterus is bleeding fast and it can't be stopped. In most other cases, a hysterectomy is done to improve a woman's life. But, it is not needed to save her life.
Research does suggest a link between hysterectomy and an increased risk of weight gain, but it affects some women more than others. Several factors can affect how much weight you gain after a hysterectomy, including what you do during and after the initial recovery period.
Medicare will cover a hysterectomy if it's considered medically necessary by your doctor. Elective hysterectomies performed only to prevent future pregnancy are not covered. Speak with your doctor or Medicare plan provider to estimate how much your surgery may cost.
What can i expect from an Abdominal Hysterectomy? You will be in hospital for about 3 days. It will be about 4 weeks to recover at home. Most women will return to work by the start of the 5th week.
A hysterectomy is a major operation. You can be in hospital for up to 5 days after surgery, and it can take about 6 to 8 weeks to fully recover. Recovery times can also vary depending on the type of hysterectomy. Rest as much as possible during this time and do not lift anything heavy, such as bags of shopping.
The average recovery time for a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy is 3 to 4 weeks. For an abdominal hysterectomy, recovery may take 5 to 6 weeks. It's important to look after yourself after your hysterectomy: Rest as much as possible for at least 2 weeks.
Your Hysterectomy Recovery
If you had not gone through menopause before your hysterectomy, you probably will begin having symptoms of menopause -- hot flashes and mood swings. Your body is adjusting to changes in hormone levels. You may also have some changes in sexual desire and enjoyment, and vaginal dryness.
Freedom from painful conditions
Despite dealing with post-op events like the onset of menopause, life after a hysterectomy can be very, very good, and here's why: If you were dealing with a painful condition — such as stubborn fibroids — your hysterectomy can free you from the related pain.
Long-term effects of hysterectomy on the pelvic floor that should be considered in surgical decision-making are: pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, bowel dysfunction, sexual function and pelvic organ fistula formation.
Will I get facial hair or mood swings? Your voice, hair growth and mood aren't affected by your uterus or cervix. If you're perimenopausal or experiencing mood swings prior to your hysterectomy, you shouldn't expect much difference after the surgery.
The hidden harms of hysterectomy
Personality changes are also a common complaint. There are additional risks of having the uterus removed. Hysterectomy can lead to bladder and bowel dysfunction, prolapse, and incontinence as well as a 4-fold increased risk of pelvic organ fistula surgery.
The vast majority (90%) is performed for non-cancerous conditions, such as fibroids, abnormal uterine bleeding and prolapse of the pelvic organs, with fibroids being the most common indication (30-35%).
You may feel discomfort at the incision site for about four weeks, and any redness, bruising or swelling will disappear in four to six weeks. Feeling burning or itching around the incision is normal. You may also experience a numb feeling around the incision and down your leg.