A hysterectomy is an operation to remove your womb (uterus). After the operation you will no longer be able to have children. If you have not yet gone through the menopause, you will no longer have periods.

A hysterectomy is used to treat conditions that affect the female reproductive system, such as heavy periods (menorrhagia), chronic (long-term) pelvic pain, non-cancerous tumours (fibroids) and cancer of the ovaries, womb, cervix or fallopian tubes.

A hysterectomy is a major operation with a long recovery time. It is usually only considered after alternative, less invasive treatments have been tried.

Types of hysterectomy

There are different types of hysterectomy. The type you have depends on the reason for your surgery and how much of the womb and surrounding reproductive system can safely be left in place. The main types include:

• Total hysterectomy: this is the most commonly performed operation. The womb and cervix (neck of the womb) are removed.
• Subtotal hysterectomy: the main body of the womb is removed leaving the cervix (neck of the womb) in place.
• Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: the womb, cervix, fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) and the ovaries (oophorectomy) are removed.
• Radical hysterectomy: the womb and surrounding tissues are removed, including the fallopian tubes, part of the vagina, ovaries, lymph glands and fatty tissue.

There are three ways to perform a hysterectomy:

• Vaginal hysterectomy: the womb is removed through a cut in the top of the vagina.
• Abdominal hysterectomy: the womb is removed through a cut in the lower abdomen.
• Laparoscopic hysterectomy (keyhole surgery): the womb is removed through a number of small cuts in the abdomen.

For more information see How it is performed.

Surgical menopause

If you have a hysterectomy that also removes your ovaries, you will go through the menopause immediately following your operation, regardless of your age. This is known as a surgical menopause.

If a hysterectomy leaves one or both of your ovaries intact, there is a chance you will go through the menopause within five years of your operation.

How common is it?

Hysterectomies are common in the UK. Around 40,000 are carried out by the NHS every year. Most of these are performed on women aged between 40 and 50.

Carlson KJ, Miller BA, Fowler FJ Jr. (1994). The Maine Women's Health Study: I. Outcomes of hysterectomy. Obstetrics & Gynecology 1994 Apr;83(4):556-65

Council of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (2002). Hysterectomy - Clinical Guidelines

Farquhar CM, Sadler L, Harvey SA, Stewart AW (2005). The association of hysterectomy and menopause: a prospective cohort study. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 112 (7), 956-962.

Johnson N, Barlow D, Lethaby A, Tavender E, Curr E, Garry R. Surgical approach to hysterectomy for benign gynaecological disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD003677. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003677.pub3.

Kovac, S.R. Guidelines to determine the route of hysterectomy (1995). Obstetrics & Gynecology 1995;85:18-23

Lethaby A, Ivanova V, Johnson NP. Total versus subtotal hysterectomy for benign gynaecological conditions. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD004993. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004993.pub2.

Marjoribanks J, Lethaby A, Farquhar C. Surgery versus medical therapy for heavy menstrual bleeding. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD003855. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003855.pub2.

NICE (2007). Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

There are several circumstances when you may be recommended to have a hysterectomy. The most common reasons include:

• heavy periods
• pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• endometriosis
• prolapse of the uterus
• cancer

Heavy periods

Many women find they lose an excessive amount of blood during their periods. Other symptoms such as stomach cramps, menstrual pain (dysmenorrhoea) and anaemia may occur. For some, the symptoms can seriously affect their quality of life.

Sometimes heavy periods result from fibroids. But for many women, there is no obvious cause (hormone imbalances).

A hysterectomy is usually only recommended as a treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding when:

• other treatments have not been effective
• bleeding has a severe impact on quality of life and it is preferable for periods to stop
• the woman no longer wishes to have any children

For more information on heavy periods, go to Health A-Z: heavy periods.

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive system. If detected early, PID can be treated with antibiotics. However, if the infection spreads it can damage the fallopian tubes and womb and lead to chronic (long-term) episodes of pain. A hysterectomy can treat severe PID by removing the womb and fallopian tubes and taking away the source of pain.

If the pain from PID is severe and the woman no longer wants any children, a hysterectomy may be recommended.

For more information on PID, go to Health A-Z: PID.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the cells that normally line the womb are also found in other parts of the body and reproductive system, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder and rectum.

These cells and blood are shed during a period in the same way that the lining of the womb is shed. This can cause problems as the released blood has nowhere to go and causes inflammation and damage in the surrounding tissues, damaging them. This can cause pain, irregular and heavy periods, and infertility.

A hysterectomy may be able to remove the areas of endometrial tissue causing the pain. It is usually only considered if other, less invasive, treatments have not worked and the woman decides not to have any more children.

For more information on endometriosis, go to Health A-Z: endometriosis.

Prolapse of the uterus (womb)

A prolapse occurs when the ligaments and tissues supporting the womb become weak, causing it to drop down from its normal position. Symptoms may include back pain, dragging pain, difficulty passing urine or faeces and seeing or feeling a lump or bulge in the vagina.

A prolapse of the womb is often a result of childbirth. Other causes include stretching of tissues from heavy lifting, chronic cough, obesity and increasing age.

A hysterectomy is the most effective form of treatment for a prolapse because it removes the womb. It may be recommended if the ligaments and tissues supporting the womb have been severely weakened, and the woman in question does not wish to have any more children.

For more information on prolapse of the womb, go to Health A-Z: prolapse of the uterus.

Cancer

A hysterectomy may be needed in cases of the following types of cancer:

• cancer of the cervix
• cancer of the ovaries
• cancer of the endometrium (also known as cancer of the womb)
• cancer of the fallopian tubes

Cancer of the ovaries and the cervix are the most common. Approximately 3,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year, and 7,000 with cancer of the ovaries.

If the cancer has reached an advanced stage, a hysterectomy may be the only viable treatment option to remove the cancer.

Deciding to have a hysterectomy

In the case of cancer, a hysterectomy may be the only treatment option. But for other conditions, ask yourself the following questions before deciding to have the procedure:

• Are my symptoms seriously affecting my quality of life?
• Have I explored all the other treatment alternatives?
• Am I prepared for the possibility of an early menopause?
• Do I want to have any children?

Do not be afraid to ask your doctor as many questions as you want.

If you choose to have a hysterectomy, you may have to decide whether you wish to have your cervix or ovaries removed. These decisions are usually made based on your medical history, your doctor’s recommendations and your personal feelings. It is important that you are aware of the different types of hysterectomy and the implications these may have for you.

Removal of the cervix (total/radical hysterectomy)

If you have cancer of the cervix, the ovaries or the womb, you may be advised to have your cervix removed to prevent the cancer from spreading.

Even if you do not have cancer, removing the cervix means that there is no risk of developing cervical cancer in the future.

Many women are concerned that removing the cervix will lead to a loss in sexual function, but there is no evidence that this is the case. Some women are reluctant to have their cervix removed because they want to retain as much of their reproductive system as possible. If you feel this way, you should talk to your surgeon about any possible risks of keeping your cervix.

If you do not have your cervix removed, you will need regular screening for cervical cancer (cervical smears).

Removal of the ovaries (salpingo-oophorectomy)

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends that ovaries should only be removed when there is a significant risk of associated disease, such as ovarian cancer.

Your surgeon may recommend removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) if you have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, to prevent cancer occurring in the future. Your surgeon will be able to discuss the benefits and disadvantages of removing your ovaries with you. If your ovaries are removed, your fallopian tubes will be removed also.

If you have already gone through, or are close to the menopause, some surgeons recommend removing the ovaries regardless of the reason for your hysterectomy. This is because it is a good way to protect against the possibility of ovarian cancer developing in the future.

Other surgeons feel it is best to leave healthy ovaries in place if the risk of ovarian cancer is small, for example if there is no family history. This is because the ovaries produce several hormones that are beneficial to women. They can help to protect against conditions such as osteoporosis and they also play a part in feelings of sexual desire and pleasure.

If you would prefer to keep your ovaries, make sure that you have discussed this with your surgeon and made it clear before your operation. You may still be asked to give consent for your ovaries to be removed if an abnormality is found during the operation. Think carefully about this and discuss any fears or concerns you have with your surgeon.

Surgical menopause

If you have a total or radical hysterectomy that removes your ovaries you will go through the menopause immediately following your operation, regardless of your age. This is known as a surgical menopause.

If a hysterectomy leaves one or both of your ovaries intact, there is a chance you will go through the menopause within five years of your operation.

Although your hormone levels drop after the menopause, your ovaries continue to produce testosterone for up to 20 years. Testosterone is an important part of the stimulus for sexual desire and sexual pleasure.

The ovaries also continue to produce small amounts of oestrogen after the menopause. It is a lack of oestrogen that causes menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, depression, vaginal dryness, insomnia, fatigue and night sweats.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is usually given to help with menopausal symptoms that occur after a hysterectomy.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

If you have your ovaries removed you will usually be offered hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This is to replace some of the hormones that your ovaries used to produce and relieve any menopausal symptoms.

It is unlikely that the HRT you are offered will exactly match the hormones previously produced by your ovaries. It is not possible to tailor HRT exactly to an individual because people vary greatly in the amount of hormones they produce. The role of oestrogen and testosterone in men and women is still not fully understood.

Many women try different doses and brands of HRT before they find one that feels suitable for them.

Not everyone can take HRT. It is not recommended for women who have had a hormone-dependent type of breast cancer or liver disease. Make sure your surgeon is aware of any conditions you have suffered from in the past.

If there are no reasons why you should not take HRT and both of your ovaries are removed, it is important to take HRT until the normal age of the menopause (51 years of age).

See HRT for more information.

Will I still need a cervical smear?

If your cervix is removed, you will no longer need cervical smears.

However, after a subtotal hysterectomy your cervix is left in place and you will still need to go for regular smear tests.

Ask your gynaecologist or GP if you are not sure.

To help you recover from your operation and reduce your risk of complications it helps if you are as fit as possible beforehand. As soon as you know you are going to have a hysterectomy operation, try to:

• stop smoking
• eat a healthy diet
• do regular exercise
• lose weight if you are overweight

You may need to have a pre-assessment appointment a few days before your operation. This might involve having some blood tests and a general health check to make sure that you are fit for surgery. You can also use your pre-assessment appointment as an opportunity to discuss any concerns or ask any questions about your hysterectomy.

How can I prepare for going into hospital?

Before you go into hospital, find out as much as you can about what is involved in your operation. Your hospital may provide written information or videos.

• Arrange help. Organise for a friend or relative to help you at home after you leave hospital.
• Sort out transport. Arrange for someone to take you to and from the hospital.
• Prepare your home. Before you go for your operation put your TV remote control, radio, telephone and medications close to where you will spend most of your time when you come out of hospital.
• Stock up. Get in a stock of food that is easy to prepare during your recovery.

What should I take into hospital?

• a change of night clothes
• something comfortable to wear
• comfortable knickers
• sanitary towels
• toiletries
• medication
• antiseptic handwipes and gel
• a book, magazine, iPod and other things to help pass the time during recovery
• important phone numbers

It is advisable not to take valuables, jewellery or large sums of money into hospital with you. You could ask a friend to look after your valuables if you do not want to leave them at home.

Following a hysterectomy it is likely that you will wake up feeling tired and in some pain. This is normal after this type of surgery. You will be given painkillers to help reduce any discomfort. If you feel sick after the anaesthetic, your nurse can give you medicine to help relieve this.

You may have a drip in your arm and a catheter (a small tube to drain urine from your bladder, which passes into a collection bag). If you had an abdominal hysterectomy you may also have a drainage tube in your abdomen to take away any blood from beneath your wound. These tubes usually stay in place for one to two days.

There will be a dressing covering any wounds from your operation. If you have had a vaginal hysterectomy you may have a gauze pack inserted into your vagina. This is to minimise the risk of any bleeding after the operation. It usually stays in place for 24 hours. It can be uncomfortable and make you feel like you need to empty your bowels.

The day after the operation you will be encouraged to take a short walk. This encourages your blood to flow normally, which will reduce the risk of complications such as blood clots in your legs (deep vein thrombosis).

Once your catheter has been removed you should be able to pass urine normally. Any stitches that need removing will be taken out between five and seven days after the operation.

Recovery time

How long it takes before you are well enough to leave hospital will depend on your age and general health.

Generally, women who have had a vaginal hysterectomy can leave after one to four days. Women who have had an abdominal hysterectomy can usually leave after two to five days.

A laparoscopic hysterectomy is a less invasive operation. You will usually be in hospital for less time after a laparoscopic hysterectomy than you would be after a vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy, providing there are no complications. 

A follow-up appointment may be arranged 6 to 12 weeks after your operation to check your progress. Increasingly, a follow-up with your surgeon does not occur and your care will be taken over by your GP after you are discharged from hospital.

It takes about six to eight weeks to recover fully from a hysterectomy operation. During this time you should rest as much as possible and not lift anything heavy, such as bags of shopping. You need time for your abdominal muscles and tissues to heal.

If you live by yourself, help may be available from your local authority while you are getting better. Hospital staff should be able to advise you about this.

Side effects

Bowel and bladder disturbances

After your operation you may experience some changes in your bowel and bladder functions when going to the toilet. Some women get urine infections or find they get constipation, both of which can easily be treated. It is recommended that you drink one to two litres of fluid a day and increase the fruit and fibre in your diet to help with your bowel or bladder movements.

Vaginal discharge

After a hysterectomy you will experience some bleeding and discharge. This is less than a period but may last up to six weeks. If bleeding is heavy, you start passing blood clots or you have an offensive discharge, you should inform your GP.

Menopausal symptoms

If you have your ovaries removed, you are likely to feel severe menopausal symptoms after your operation. These include hot flushes, anxiety, confusion, weepiness and sweating. You may be given hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after the operation. This can be given in the form of an implant, injections or tablets. It usually takes around a week before this takes effect.

Emotional effects

It is common to feel a sense of loss and sadness after a hysterectomy. This is especially the case among women with advanced cancer who had no other treatment option.

Some women who have not gone through the menopause may feel a loss as they can no longer have children. Others might have a sense that they are less 'womanly' than before. In some cases, having a hysterectomy can be a trigger for depression.

You may find that talking to other women who have had a hysterectomy can provide emotional support and reassurance. Your GP or the hospital staff may be able to recommend a local support group. Charities such as The Hysterectomy Association can put you in touch with other women through online forums.

If feelings of depression persist, you should see your GP, who will be able to advise you on available treatment options.

Getting back to normal

Returning to work

How long it will take for you to return to work will depend on how you feel and what sort of work you do. If your job does not involve manual work or heavy lifting, it may be possible to return after four to eight weeks.

Driving a car

You should not drive a car until you are comfortable wearing a seatbelt and can perform an emergency stop. This can be anything from three to eight weeks after the operation. You may want to check with your GP that you are fit to drive before you start. Some car insurance companies require a certificate from a GP stating that you are fit to drive. You should check this with your car insurance company.

Exercise and lifting

You should be given some information after your operation on suitable forms of exercise during your recovery period. Walking is always recommended and you can swim after your wounds have healed. You should not try to do too much as you will probably feel more tired than normal.

You should not lift any heavy objects during your recovery. If you lift light objects you should make sure that your knees are bent and your back is straight.

Sex

It is generally recommended that you do not have sex until your vaginal discharge has stopped and you feel comfortable and relaxed, or after a minimum of six weeks have passed.

You may experience some vaginal dryness, especially if you have had your ovaries removed and you are not taking HRT. Many women also experience an initial loss of sexual desire (libido) after the operation, but this normally returns once they have fully recovered.

Studies show that pain during intercourse is reduced, and orgasm, strength of orgasm, libido (desire for sex) and sexual activity all improve following a hysterectomy.

Contraception

Contraception to prevent pregnancy is no longer required after you have had a hysterectomy. You will still need to use condoms to protect yourself against sexually transmitted infections.

As with all types of surgery, having a hysterectomy can lead to complications.

Risks from general anaesthetic

There are several serious complications associated with having a general anaesthetic, but they are very rare. Complications include nerve damage, allergic reaction and death. Being fit and healthy before an operation reduces the risk of any complications. For more information see the A-Z topic page on general anaesthetic.

Bleeding

With all operations, including a hysterectomy, there is a small risk of heavy bleeding (haemorrhage). A haemorrhage may mean a blood transfusion is needed.

Damage to the bladder or bowel

Very occasionally women will suffer damage to other abdominal organs, such as the bladder or bowel. This can cause problems such as infection, incontinence or a frequent need to urinate.

It may be possible to repair any damage during the operation. You may need to have a temporary catheter to drain your urine or a colostomy to collect your bowel movements.

The risk of damage to other abdominal organs is higher when you have a laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Infection

There is always a risk of infection after an operation. This can be a urinary tract infection (UTI), chest infection or vaginal infection. These are not usually serious and can be treated with antibiotics.

Thrombosis

A thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in a vein and interferes with the circulation of the blood and oxygen around the body. The risk of getting a blood clot increases after operations and periods of immobility.

You will be encouraged to start moving around as soon as possible after your operation. You may also be given a blood thinning drug to reduce the risk of clots forming.

Vaginal problems

If you have a vaginal hysterectomy there is a risk that you will have problems at the top of the vagina where the cervix was removed. This could be slow wound healing in the short term or prolapse in later years.

Ovary failure

If your ovaries are left intact there is a chance they will fail within five years of your hysterectomy. This is because your ovaries receive some of their blood supply through the uterus, which has been removed during the operation.

Early menopause

If you have had your ovaries removed, it is likely that you will start experiencing menopausal symptoms (hot flushes, sweating, vaginal dryness and disturbed sleep) soon after having your operation. This is because the menopause is triggered once a woman stops producing eggs from her ovaries (ovulating).

This is an important consideration if you are under 40, as early onset of the menopause can increase the risk of developing brittle bones (osteoporosis). This is because levels of oestrogen drop during the menopause.

Depending on your age and circumstances, it may be necessary to take additional medicines to prevent osteoporosis.

Even if a hysterectomy leaves one or both of your ovaries intact, there is still a chance you will go through the menopause within five years of your operation.

We asked Lesley Regan, professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at St Mary’s NHS Trust in London, what questions she would ask if she was considering having a hysterectomy.

Should I be worried about having a hysterectomy?

Have as positive an attitude as you can about the surgery. Studies show that people who are more optimistic have a better outcome in the long run.

When will I be back on my feet?

Get mobile as quickly as you can after the operation. This will help you recover faster. Gentle exercise such as walking is fine.

How can I best prepare for a hysterectomy?

If you're overweight or obese, try to lose weight before you have surgery. It will make your recovery much easier if you're as close to your ideal weight as possible. Ask your GP or practice nurse for advice or referral to a dietitian. If you've tried to lose before, join a group and try again!

How will the procedure improve my life?

When you're talking to your gynaecologist, have a clear idea of what is the most important outcome you want from the operation (for example, if you don't want to have painful, heavy periods any more).

Do I have any options other than surgery?

Make sure you're satisfied that a hysterectomy is the right choice for you. It may be the best option, but be satisfied in your own mind and be prepared to ask enough questions. It’s a good idea to have these written on a piece of paper when you see your gynaecologist.

For instance, if you have heavy, painful periods, it might be a good idea to try the Mirena coil (a contraceptive device that contains the active ingredient levonorgestrel) first. The worst that can happen is that it won't work, and you can then consider different options, including a hysterectomy, if you wish.

Fibroids (benign growths in the womb) can be treated in some cases and at some centres locally. Where this isn't an option, you will feel more secure about the decision to have an operation if you have asked the right questions first.

Jayne Watkins, 39, an admin manager, had a vaginal hysterectomy in June 2006. She lives with her husband Stephen and their 14-year old son Matthew in Pontypool, South Wales

“In 2002, I started to get a dragging, uncomfortable feeling in my vagina. Hoping it would go away by itself, it wasn’t until 2005 that I went to see my GP. She diagnosed me with a severe prolapse of the uterus. I knew it was fairly advanced as I couldn’t keep a tampon in and my cervix was quite low in my vagina. I was advised that a vaginal hysterectomy, where the uterus and cervix was removed and my ovaries retained, was the best option for me.

"I did read up on some alternatives to hysterectomy, but was advised by my GP and gynaecologist that wearing a pessary ring to keep my uterus in place wouldn’t work for me as the prolapse was too advanced. I was also told that surgery to repair the prolapse probably wouldn’t last very long as it was quite bad. As I had been sterilised five years earlier and we knew we didn’t want any more children, I decided to go for the hysterectomy.

"I had a general anaesthetic for the operation and was on a morphine drip for the first few days to control the pain. One of the hard parts was having the ‘packing’ removed two days after the operation. This is sterile gauze that was inserted where my uterus had been and it was a bit uncomfortable when a nurse removed it. I also had some trouble opening my bowels afterwards, but was fine once I had some laxatives.

"After five days in hospital, I returned home where I had complete bed rest for two weeks. I was still in some pain, but painkillers helped. My in-laws and my husband Stephen did everything around the house, and three weeks after the operation, I was able to do some light housework and make my own tea.

"Five weeks after the surgery, I felt much better. I was much more comfortable than I was before the operation and had loads more energy. I even went on holiday with the family where I went snorkelling and swimming.

"I’m delighted with the overall results of my operation as it has improved my quality of life enormously. It’s also a bonus not to have periods any more. And because I didn’t have my ovaries removed, I don’t need HRT. Another positive thing is that my sex life has improved. Before the operation, sex was uncomfortable and I felt embarrassed about my prolapsed uterus. I can honestly say I’m happier and feel healthier than before.”

Susan Carlton, 38, from Lincoln, Lincolnshire, had an abdominal hysterectomy in 2002. She lives with her husband Richard and three children, who are aged from 15 to 20

“Ever since my periods started, when I was around 14, I have had problems. They are very heavy and very painful right from the beginning. Over the years, my GP has referred me for several investigations to check inside my abdominal cavity and also inside my womb. Nothing was ever found to be physically wrong with me.

"In the meantime, my quality of life was severely affected. Each month, the bleeding was so heavy that I had to use two maternity pads at a time to soak up the flow. The pain was very bad – some days I was literally on my hands and knees as that was the position I felt most comfortable in. I sometimes even slept in that position, which of course wasn’t ideal for the comfort of my husband Richard who was sharing my bed.

"After I’d had my children, and was sure I didn’t want any more, I decided to have a treatment called uterine ablation where the lining of my womb was permanently taken away. It was successful in that it stopped my periods, but unfortunately, I still had the same horrendous pain each month around the time I would have had my period. My doctor couldn’t explain it, but thought that I might have a kind of endometriosis that grows in the muscle of the womb.

"My life continued to be badly affected. I had to cancel family gatherings and was miserable and in pain for almost two weeks every month.

"Still searching for a solution, I tried all sorts of painkillers, both prescription and over-the-counter, but nothing really worked.

"When I was 33, I finally came to the conclusion that the best solution was to have a hysterectomy. I didn’t like the thought of having to wait almost 20 years for my menopause to arrive so that I would be naturally free of the pain. I did a lot of reading about the procedure and was confident it was what I wanted. My surgeon decided that an abdominal hysterectomy under general anaesthetic was best for me.

"Unfortunately, during the operation, he found that I had numerous cysts on my ovaries, some of them quite large. As I had given my consent for him to remove my ovaries if he found a problem, he took my ovaries out. 

"It was a shock when I woke up to hear my ovaries had been removed, but first I concentrated on my recovery. It took a few days before I was comfortable getting out of bed to go to the toilet as I was very tender internally and around the scar. I was given painkillers and the nurses were very kind.

"Then three days after the operation, although I had been put on HRT straight after the hysterectomy, I had full-blown menopausal symptoms. But thankfully around a week later, the HRT kicked in and I felt better.

"Five days after the operation, I was well enough to go home. To start with, I was only able to walk a little bit around the house every day and relied on my family to do most things for me. But gradually, I got my strength back. Although I was told I would be almost back to normal within six weeks, for me it took around four months. This might be because I'm overweight.

"I don’t regret having my hysterectomy as it has improved my quality of life enormously. It's really wonderful to no longer be in pain.

"Sadly, my sex drive has taken a dive since the operation, and I have since learned that this may be down to the loss of the hormone testosterone, which my ovaries were producing. I am currently on oestrogen-only HRT, but will ask my doctor about having testosterone added to see if it improves my sex life. I also notice that I don’t have as much energy as before the operation, which again may be due to a lack of testosterone.

"What I've discovered is that there are pros and cons to everything. Without the hysterectomy, I was in pain for around half of every month, but since the hysterectomy, I have less energy. I wish I had more information about the effects of having my ovaries removed before I had gone ahead, yet overall I'm satisfied and happy with the result.”