Hysterectomy is defined as the surgical removal of the uterus or womb. A hysterectomy may be total, that is removing the whole of the uterus (womb) and the cervix; it may be sub-total, that is removing the uterus or womb but leaving the cervix intact. In addition to the womb, the ovaries and the Fallopian tubes may also be removed, this is called a hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo oophorectomy.
Roughly 55,000 hysterectomies are performed in the UK every year. Between 30,000 and 40,000 of these take place in the NHS. Globally, 1.2 million women can expect to undergo this form of surgery for reasons that range from heavy periods, fibroids, endometriosis, prolapse, cancer, and postpartum haemorrhage.
This section contains the information about hysterectomy, women’s health, menopause, and hormone replacement therapy and is designed for women who are facing surgery for a variety of gynaecological problems.
My aim is to help you make the right choice for your needs. By understanding the alternatives and choices you can make about your hysterectomy, you make a better, and more informed choice about your own health now and for the future.