A hysterectomy is one of the most common surgeries performed on women. A hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus and cervix. Sometimes the ovaries and fallopian tubes are also removed during the surgery, and this is referred to as a total or complete hysterectomy.

Hysterectomy can be done either through the vagina (vaginal hysterectomy); or through a surgical incision in the lower belly (abdominal hysterectomy). The method chosen differs according to the patients needs.

Who needs the hysterectomy?

Women with any of the following conditions normally require a hysterectomy.

• Uterine cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Fallopian tube cancer
• Cervical cancer
  
  There are other reasons why a woman may choose to have a hysterectomy, amongst them;
• Heavy abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Fibroids (benign tumors on the walls of the uterus)
• Adenomyosis (growth of abnormal benign tissue within the muscle wall of the uterus)
• Endometriosis (endometrial tissue grows in abnormal places in the abdomen)
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Pelvis inflammatory disease
• Uterine prolapse (descent of the uterus into the vagina)
  
  
  

  What are the implications of a hysterectomy?

  
  There are several implications that one has to keep in mind when considering a hysterectomy. Amongst the most serious are;
• Possible castration - Most of the hysterectomies leave women infertile.
• Higher risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, bone, joint and muscle pain.
• Possible incontinence.
• Loss of sexual interest and sensation. Some women also report painful intercourse
• Change in hormone levels, causing the need for natural hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
  
  
  If your doctor or gynecologist has recommended you a hysterectomy, make sure you really need to do it. Don't undergo surgery unless it is really necessary. Get a second and if possible a third opinion. Remember that gynecologists, hospitals and drug companies earn their living from hysterectomies and castrations