Uterus

A hysterectomy is an operation to remove a woman’s uterus. The uterus is where a baby grows during pregnancy. Sometimes the ovaries and fallopian tubes are also removed. Hysterectomies are very common. In the United States, one in three women aged 60 has been performed.

Your doctor may recommend a hysterectomy if you have:

• Fibroids
• Endometriosis resistant to treatment with medicines or surgery
• Uterine prolapse: when the uterus descends into the vagina
• Cancer of the uterus, cervix or ovaries
• Vaginal bleeding that persists despite treatment
• Chronic pelvic pain, surgery may be a last resort

Before having a hysterectomy, it is important to discuss with your doctor other possible treatments. A hysterectomy will stop your periods and can no longer get pregnant. If both ovaries were removed during surgery, give rise to menopause.