What Is a Hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus. It is the second most common surgery performed on women in the United States, after cesarean section.

There are many reasons why a woman might need a hysterectomy, including:

* Uterine fibroids: These are noncancerous growths that can cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and other symptoms.

* Endometriosis: This is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus. It can cause severe pain, infertility, and other problems.

* Uterine prolapse: This is a condition in which the uterus drops down from its normal position in the pelvis. It can cause urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and other symptoms.

* Cancer of the uterus, ovaries, or cervix: A hysterectomy may be necessary to remove cancerous tissue and prevent the cancer from spreading.

* Severe pelvic pain: In some cases, a hysterectomy may be the best option to relieve severe pelvic pain that does not respond to other treatments.

A hysterectomy is a major surgery, and it is important to weigh the risks and benefits before deciding whether or not to have one. Some of the risks of hysterectomy include:

* Bleeding

* Infection

* Blood clots

* Damage to nearby organs

* Scarring

* Long-term pain

* Loss of sexual function

* Infertility

The benefits of hysterectomy can include:

* Relief from symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and urinary incontinence

* Prevention of cancer

* Improved quality of life

If you are considering a hysterectomy, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the procedure and to make sure that it is the right choice for you.