Things I wish I had known before a hysterectomy

Suffering from uterine health issues like symptomatic fibroids? Your doctor might have talked to you about a hysterectomy. Or maybe you’ve come across it as an option in your search for relief from disruptive symptoms. In the U.S., a hysterectomy is one of the most frequently performed procedures on women each year.1 Despite how common hysterectomies are, conversations about them are not. 

Ready for treatment options that provide relief and fit into your lifestyle? 

While a hysterectomy is an option, it’s not the only choice. 

Below, we answer frequently asked questions to equip you in making an informed decision.

What is a hysterectomy, exactly? 

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and sometimes the cervix or even other reproductive organs. It’s a permanent solution for treating issues like fibroids, severe period symptoms, or other persistent uterine and cervical problems. 

How long does it take? 

A hysterectomy is a major surgery that typically takes between 1 and 4 hours to complete.1

How long is the recovery? 

As with any surgery, it’s important to rest and follow your doctor’s instructions. Recovery after a hysterectomy usually takes between 6 and 8 weeks.2

Can I still get pregnant and have kids? 

After any variation of a hysterectomy, women are unable to get pregnant or have children.  

What are some of the side effects? 

Short-term side effects commonly include vaginal bleeding and drainage, soreness around the incision, and overall fatigue from surgery. Potential long-term side effects include symptoms of menopause, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and decreased libido.2  

Is a hysterectomy my only option? 

With 51% of women with fibroids surveyed indicating they want to keep their uterus,3 it’s good news there are choices! Historically, watchful waiting, medication, and hysterectomies were the only treatment options for symptomatic fibroids.4

Today, advances in technology have led to procedures that are fast, minimally invasive, and uterine sparing. The Acessa procedure, for example, treats fibroids through a small laparoscopic incision to relieve your symptoms while preserving healthy uterine tissue. And another, the Sonata procedure, treats fibroids via intrauterine methods—no incision needed—leaving your uterus intact and symptoms relieved. With either option, you’re likely to return to normal activity within a few days.5, 6 

Talk with your doctor.

If you’re feeling unsure about what to do next or need help finding a doctor, we have resources to help. Our Discussion Guide has tips to help ensure your questions are answered.

Don’t let symptoms like heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and bloating hold you back from better.
Talk to your doctor about finding the best treatment option for YOU. 

The Acessa procedure involves risks associated with laparoscopic surgery and general anesthesia. Please discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

The Sonata System is intended for diagnostic intrauterine imaging and transcervical treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids, including those associated with heavy menstrual bleeding. Common Side Effects include bleeding, spotting, cramping, and/or discharge. There are potential risks with this treatment such as skin burn and infection. Women who are pregnant, have a pelvic infection, are known or suspected to have gynecologic cancer, or have intratubal implants for sterilization should not have this procedure.

REFERENCES

  1. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Hysterectomy. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/hysterectomy#:~:text=Hysterectomy%20is%20surgery%20to%20remove,affect%20a%20woman’s%20reproductive%20organs ↩︎
  2. Cleveland Clinic. Hysterectomy. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/hysterectomy Last reviewed May 31, 2024  ↩︎
  3. Borah, Bijan J. et al. The impact of uterine leiomyomas: a national survey of affected women, American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, October 2013, Volume 209, Issue 4, 319.e1—319.e20. Wise LA, Laughlin-Tommaso SK. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2016;59(1):2-24. Alexander AL, et al. Obstet Gynecol. 2019;133(1):6-12  ↩︎
  4. OASH Office on Women’s Health. Hysterectomy. https://womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/hysterectomy#references Page last updated: December 29, 2022  ↩︎
  5. Chudnoff SG, Berman JM, Levine DJ, Harris M, Guido RS, Banks E. Outpatient procedure for the treatment and relief of symptomatic uterine myomas. Obstet Gynecol. 2013;121(5):1075-1082. ↩︎
  6. Chudnoff S, Guido R, Roy K, Levine D, Mihalov L, Garza-Leal JG. Ultrasound-Guided Transcervical Ablation of Uterine Leiomyomas: The SONATA Trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2019 Jan; 133(1): 13-22 ↩︎

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