Dr. Aruna Ashok MBBS, MS OG, DNB OG
- Clinical Director
Aruna Ashok | 04 Dec 2026
A hysterectomy is a procedure usually carried out to remove the uterus. Following a surgery, your menstruation stops immediately, and you won’t be able to become pregnant
Women may often choose to remove their uterus due to medical necessities, such as heavy bleeding, chronic pain, uterine prolapse, issues like severe endometriosis and even certain gynaecological cancers. The surgery is largely recommended when other treatments fail to improve the condition.
Not only this, there’s more to the story. Keep reading to know about the types of hysterectomy, key reasons to consider the surgery, potential body changes a woman may notice after uterus removal and quick healing tips.
Your healthcare provider is the one who usually determines the type of procedure you require. This is based on factors such as:
Note: The primary goal of a hysterectomy is to remove only the affected tissues, while leaving the healthy organs, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes, in place, if possible.
The main types of hysterectomy may include:
A total hysterectomy is the most common type, where the entire uterus and cervix are removed, but not the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This can stop your monthly menstruation and fertility ability, rather than causing immediate surgical menopause. This is because the ovaries still continue to produce hormones. You may likely experience menopause at the natural age of around 50 or beyond
A total hysterectomy is specifically recommended to treat conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, chronic pain and cervical cancer. This type of procedure can be done via vaginally or abdominal incision.
A subtotal, or supracervical hysterectomy, is another type that healthcare providers use to treat conditions like endometriosis and uterine fibroids. This involves removing the upper part of the uterus, while leaving the cervix intact. It offers a quicker recovery and lowers the risk of urinary complications when compared to a total hysterectomy, particularly due to the preservation of pelvic support. However, this type of procedure often requires continued cervical screening and may result in monthly spotting.
A radical hysterectomy is a more extensive surgical option. It involves removing the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, upper vagina, and surrounding tissues, often with pelvic lymph nodes. This type of hysterectomy is primarily used to treat early-stage cervical cancer with negative margins (no cancer cells at the very edge of the removed tissues). A woman is likely to experience menopause immediately after a radical hysterectomy because of the removal of the ovaries.
A salpingo-oophorectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) ovaries and their attached fallopian tubes. The removal of ovaries (oophorectomy) and fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) is often performed alone or combined with total hysterectomy or radical hysterectomy. A salpingo-oophorectomy can be done via laparoscopy, robotics, or open surgery, primarily to treat conditions like endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and gynaecological cancers. Sometimes, this type of hysterectomy is considered a preventative measure to reduce ovarian cancer risk.
Women with bilateral removal may experience immediate menopause.
Here are some of the key reasons why a healthcare provider may choose to perform a hysterectomy:
The body changes following a hysterectomy may significantly vary depending on the type of hysterectomy you had. Discuss with your healthcare provider about the expected body changes before the surgery.
Here are some of the common body changes a woman may notice after a uterus removal.
Immediate Menopause : If both ovaries are removed, you are likely to enter the surgical menopause immediately, regardless of age. This can cause a sudden drop in hormones, thereby causing symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. On the contrary, if one or both ovaries remain, you do not enter menopause. However, you still can’t become pregnant.
Vaginal Discharge : Light bleeding or spotting is very common for a few days to weeks after the surgery
Vaginal Changes : Some women may experience menopausal symptoms like reduced libido, vaginal dryness, sensitivity, or changes in vaginal length
Fatigue and Weakness : Reduced energy and weakness may occur for several weeks to months as the body heals from the surgery
Bladder/Bowel Changes : A woman after a hysterectomy may notice potential changes in her bladder and bowel movements, such as temporary constipation, urinary incontinence and bloating
Weight Fluctuations During the initial healing period, body weight fluctuations are very common. This can happen due to the reduced activity or changes in metabolism following the surgery
Sexual Function Some women may experience increased sensitivity in the vaginal area or reduced sexual drive, especially if the ovaries are removed. In such cases, ensure to discuss with your healthcare provider about your sexual activity. Sexual intercourse is generally recommended after 6 to 8 weeks.
Bone Density Bone density may sometimes be lowered due to the sudden drop in estrogen levels from ovarian removal. This may often require close monitoring.
Mood Changes Mood changes, including depression, anxiety, feelings of loss, or fear, may occur due to the rapid hormonal shift or emotional adjustment to the surgery
Relief Some women may have feelings of relief due to the improvement from persistent, chronic pain or heavy bleeding, particularly after recovery
Body Image The abdominal organs may usually shift to occupy the empty space where the uterus was located. This can cause potential changes in a woman’s physical appearance. A thicker or more bloated belly (swelly belly) within weeks or months after a hysterectomy may occur. This increases the feeling of insecurity or depression about one's own body
Recovery from any form of hysterectomy usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks. You can talk to your provider regarding the effective ways to reduce the symptoms of menopause and enhance quick healing.
A smooth and quick hysterectomy recovery may require:
Rest : Prioritise rest for the initial two weeks after the surgery, but do not stay in bed all day.
Movement : Take gentle and short walks around the room every day. This can improve circulation and prevent blood clots
Incision Care : Clean the incision area with mild soap and then pat dry immediately. Do not attempt to soak in pools or baths. Follow the instructions from your healthcare provider carefully
Pain Management : Never skip pain-relieving medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider. This helps you to stay comfortable and move around.
Manage Swelling : Choose comfortable, loose clothing to aid air circulation and minimise discomfort
Avoid Strain : Avoid lifting heavy objects, strenuous exercises, and bending at the waist for at least 4 weeks
Rest : Keep yourself well-hydrated throughout the day with at least 8 to 10 glasses of water or fresh juices
Movement : Consume foods that are rich in fibre, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables. This helps to prevent constipation after a hysterectomy
Incision Care : Include lean protein in your everyday meal. This is because they can help with tissue repair and quick healing. You can also consider eating calcium and vitamin D-rich foods to enhance bone health
Sitz Baths : Keep yourself well-hydrated throughout the day with at least 8 to 10 glasses of water or fresh juices
No Intercourse : Strictly avoid sexual intercourse until you have a clearance from your healthcare provider
No Tampons : Avoid tampons to help the internal stitches heal and prevent infections
Listen to Your Body : Feeling tired and anxious for several weeks after surgery is very common. Remember to allow sufficient time for your body to recover. You can increase the activity gradually every week
Seek Support : Seek support from your partner or well-wishers to help with daily tasks
A hysterectomy is an effective, definitive method to treat a variety of serious gynaecological conditions, though with specific consequences like permanent inability to conceive
While a hysterectomy can cause significant physical changes due to the removal of key support (uterus) that was holding the pelvic organs, it often results in improving the quality of life. Together, you and your healthcare provider can determine the type of procedure and path that minimises the consequences
1. What can cause bleeding after years of a hysterectomy?
Light bleeding and spotting for a few days after a hysterectomy is common, but bleeding several years after the procedure can raise a concern. It can indicate a range of health issues, mild to serious. Consult with a healthcare provider immediately to understand the underlying cause
2. How do I prepare for the hysterectomy?
Preparing for a hysterectomy involves lifestyle adjustments, medical evaluation, and planning for recovery after the procedure. Key steps may include stopping to smoke and drink, stopping blood-thinning medications, preparing loose-fitting clothes, arranging transportation, and hiring house help for several weeks. Women considering a hysterectomy should follow the instructions given by the provider strictly
3. Is a hysterectomy painful?
An anterior placenta is usually not a problem, unless it is located low near or over the cervix by the full term.
4. What can I expect after a uterus removal?
After the uterus removal, you can expect an immediate stop to menstruation, permanent inability to become pregnant, and other signs of menopause, like hot flashes and vaginal dryness
5. What are the potential complications that a hysterectomy causes?
A hysterectomy is generally a safer medical procedure for removing the uterus. Though it carries certain potential complications, including:
Other risks may include:
6. How long does it take to recover from a uterus removal?
Recovery from the uterus removal (hysterectomy) typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. Though some women return to their light activities within 2 weeks. This recovery timeline may vastly depend on the surgical approach. While laparoscopic and vaginal procedures have a faster recovery (2 to 4 weeks) than abdominal incision (6 to 8 weeks).
