Hysterectomy is a surgery to remove some or all of your uterus. It is the second most common surgery for women, next to a cesarean section. Your uterus (womb) is the hollow, pear-shaped organ in your pelvis where a baby grows. The top of your uterus connects to the fallopian tubes and ovaries. At the bottom of your uterus is your cervix, which opens into your vagina. Sometimes a hysterectomy is a life-saving procedure. Other times, doctors perform a hysterectomy to improve your quality of life. A hysterectomy treats health conditions like:
Uterine fibroids. These noncancerous growths in the uterus can cause pain and heavy menstrual bleeding.
Endometriosis. In this condition, tissue similar to the inside lining of your uterus grows outside of your uterus. It can cause painful, heavy periods.
Uterine prolapse. Weak muscles in your pelvis allow your uterus to slip into your vagina, causing pelvic pain, constipation, and urinary incontinence.
Abnormal uterine bleeding. Your doctor might recommend a hysterectomy if menstrual bleeding is unusually heavy, long-lasting, or happens outside of your normal menstrual periods.
Cancer of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, or nearby organs.
Women who have a hysterectomy can no longer have children. Depending on your health condition and family planning goals, your doctor might recommend trying nonsurgical treatments first. Sometimes, you can delay a hysterectomy if you want to get pregnant.