Hysterectomy Specialist

What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a surgery that removes all or part of your uterus, also known as the womb. Your surgeon may remove your ovaries and fallopian tubes in the same procedure.

Your uterus is where a baby grows during pregnancy. After you get a hysterectomy, your menstrual period stops, and you can’t become pregnant.

Why would I need a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy isn’t the first line of treatment for any gynecologic condition. Your Women's Health of Manhattan provider may recommend a hysterectomy if conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief from the pain and symptoms of a condition, such as:

• Uterine fibroids
• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Endometriosis
• Adenomyosis
• Uterine prolapse
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Chronic pelvic pain
  
  

Hysterectomy may be the best treatment option for cancer or precancerous growths of the cervix, uterus, ovary, or endometrium.

What are the types of hysterectomy procedures?

There are many approaches to hysterectomy surgery. Depending on your specific needs, the surgeons at Women's Health of Manhattan may perform one of the following:

Abdominal hysterectomy

Also known as an open or traditional hysterectomy, this procedure involves removing your uterus through a large incision in your abdomen.

Vaginal hysterectomy

A vaginal hysterectomy is a minimally invasive surgery that uses a small incision in your vagina rather than a large one on your abdomen.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy

Laparoscopic surgery is also minimally invasive. Your surgeon uses a laparoscope, which is a lighted tube with a small camera, to get an up-close view of your pelvic organs without making a large incision. Your surgeon may use laparoscopy to perform a hysterectomy through small incisions in your abdomen or your vagina.

What should I expect after a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a major surgery, so you should plan on some downtime for recovery. The amount of time it takes to return to normal activities depends on your overall health and the type of procedure you undergo. A minimally-invasive vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy can take three to four weeks, while an open abdominal hysterectomy may take longer.

After you recover, you should experience relief from the symptoms that made a hysterectomy necessary.

You may also experience menopause symptoms and changes to your intimate life, such as vaginal dryness and a reduced interest in sex. If these symptoms bother you, hormone replacement therapy or vaginal rejuvenation can help.

For more information about hysterectomies, call Women's Health of Manhattan, or book an appointment online today.