The uterus is an important component of a woman's reproductive system. It is the site where a fetus develops and is nourished before birth. A hysterectomy is the name of the surgical procedure that removes the uterus. During the procedure, sometimes other associated parts of the reproductive system are also removed, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Types of Hysterectomy Surgery

There are three types of a hysterectomy:

• A radical hysterectomy surgery removes the cervix, uterus, ovaries, parts of the vagina and other surrounding tissues.
• A sub-total or partial hysterectomy surgery removes only the uterus.
• A total or complete hysterectomy surgery removes the cervix and the uterus.

Why a Hysterectomy Surgery?

A physician might recommend a hysterectomy surgery for several concerns, including:

• Chronic pelvic pain
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids (These benign tumors that can grow on the uterine wall are the most common reason for a hysterectomy surgery.)
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Prolapse (This can occur during the aging process when the vagina sags. If the bladder or the rectum is pulled downwards with the vagina, a hysterectomy surgery may be warranted.)
• Uterine, cervical or ovarian cancer.

Hysterectomy for PCOS

Conducting a hysterectomy for PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is controversial. PCOS increases the risk of certain cancers, including ovarian and uterine cancer. Doctors may suggest a hysterectomy as a last resort for PCOS treatment if the risk of cancer is high, especially if the woman is postmenopausal.

Keep in mind that polycystic ovarian syndrome involves many hormonal and metabolic issues. While removal of the ovaries will reduce the amount of male hormones PCOS produces, it may not alleviate all symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Hysterectomy Surgery and Recovery

Recovery periods after a hysterectomy depend in part on the type of hysterectomy, either abdominal or vaginal. Since it is less invasive, a vaginal hysterectomy surgery tends to have a quicker recovery time than an abdominal hysterectomy. However, the abdominal hysterectomy surgery is more common.

Risks of Hysterectomy Surgery

Like any medical procedure, a hysterectomy surgery comes with certain risks, which may include:

• Bladder injury (including ureter damage)
• Blood clots
• Bowel injury
• Heavy blood loss
• Incision scarring
• Infection.

Hysterectomy Side Effects

Hysterectomy side effects are significant. The removal of the uterus is irreversible and rules out any chance of bearing children in the future. Radical hysterectomy side effects include immediate menopause, as the ovaries, as well as the hormones they produce, are removed.

Some women experience emotional hysterectomy side effects, either because they feel losing their uterus diminishes their femininity or because they can no longer have children. Depression is one of these common hysterectomy side effects.

Sex and Hysterectomy Side Effects

Most women can resume sexual activity six weeks after a hysterectomy surgery. Women might find sex more pleasurable because they no longer have pain or heavy bleeding, and they don't have to worry about becoming pregnant.

When ovaries are removed, women may feel less sexual desire due to low hormone levels. Some women may not be able to experience orgasms, or they may feel "dry."

If you experience sexual hysterectomy side effects after your surgery, contact your physician. Among other treatments, he may prescribe hormonal replacement therapy after a hysterectomy to help curb these effects.

Resources

Insulite Laboratories Staff. (n.d.). PCOS and hysterectomy. Retrieved February 24, 2010, from the Insulite Laboratories Web site: http://pcos.insulitelabs.com/pcos-and-hysterectomy.php.

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2008). Abdominal hysterectomy. Retrieved February 24, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/hysterectomy/MY00163/METHOD=print&DSECTION=all.

United States Department of Health and Human Services Staff. (n.d). Common uterine conditions. Retrieved February 24, 2010, from the United States Department of Health and Human Services Web site: http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/uterine1.htm.

Women's Health Staff. (2009). Hysterectomy. Retrieved February 24, 2010, from the National Women's Health Information Center Web site: http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/hysterectomy.htm.

Women's Health Matters Staff. (2008). Ovarian cysts health center FAQs. Retrieved February 23, 2010, from the Women's Health Matters Web site: http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/Centres/pelvic_health/oviarian_cysts/FAQs/index.html.