Side Effects of a Supracervical Hysterectomy

A supracervical hysterectomy, also known as a "partial hysterectomy," is a hysterectomy that removes only the upper section of the uterus and leaves the cervix in place. A "total hysterectomy" removes the entire uterus and the cervix. The reasons for having a partial as opposed to a total hysterectomy depend on the conditions that have necessitated the procedure. The Mayo Clinic indicates these conditions include uterine fibroids, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, gynecologic cancer, chronic pelvic pain, and vaginal bleeding. Since the procedures for performing partial and total hysterectomies are identical, the side effects of both are the same.

Infertility

• The side effects of hysterectomies can be either positive or negative on both the physical and emotional sides. These side effects vary in degree and are dependent on the reason why a hysterectomy is necessary and the method in which the procedure is performed. However, perhaps the most notable side effect that all women who have partial or total hysterectomies experience is the loss of reproduction. The Mayo Clinic states that this loss of fertility can have negative emotional consequences.

Physical Side Effects

• The Mayo Clinic indicates that the physical side effects of hysterectomy may include infection, excessive bleeding, blood clots, urinary tract damage, bladder damage, rectal damage, early menopause, and, in rare instances, death.

Negative Sexual Side Effects

• While the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health indicates that hysterectomies can potentially result in loss of sexual pleasure and desire, some clinical studies have shown the procedure resulting in improved sexual function.

Positive Sexual Side Effects

• A 2006 study titled "The Effect of Hysterectomy on Sexuality and Psychological Changes" done by the Alexandra Maternity Hospital at University Medical School in Athens, Greece found that women who have had hysterectomies were more likely to report improvements in sexual function due to the alleviation of symptoms that may have been inhibiting sexual function. Another 2006 study titled "Hysterectomy and Sexual Function" done by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Mary's Hospital in Manchester, UK came to a similar conclusion. "Overall, hysterectomy improves sexual function, regardless of surgical method or removal of the cervix," the researchers wrote. "This is probably due to the amelioration of the symptoms that have previously had a negative effect on sexual function."

Emotional Side Effects

• Hysterectomies can have emotional side effects that are both positive and negative. The Mayo Clinic says that quality of life may improve after a hysterectomy by the removal of symptoms the patient had been suffering before the procedure. Women who have been suffering prolonged systems may also experience a great sense of relief after a hysterectomy since they will be able to go on with their lives. On the negative side, the Mayo Clinic indicates that tremendous grief may be felt at the loss of fertility which can lead to depression. Additionally, some women who feel that the uterus is a symbol of womanhood may feel a sense of loss of identity which can also lead to depression.