What are the potential side effects of having a hysterectomy. Discover the short-term and long-term impacts, and get answers to your questions about this common gynecological procedure.

Navigating the Types of Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the uterus. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), there are three main types of hysterectomy:

1. Total Hysterectomy: This surgery removes the entire uterus and cervix.
2. Supracervical Hysterectomy: Also known as a subtotal or partial hysterectomy, this procedure removes the uterus but leaves the cervix intact.
3. Radical Hysterectomy: This more extensive surgery removes the uterus, cervix, and surrounding support tissue, often recommended for individuals with cancer.

Additionally, a hysterectomy may be performed with the removal of one or both ovaries (oophorectomy) or the fallopian tubes (salpingo-oophorectomy).

Exploring Short-Term Side Effects

During the recovery period following a hysterectomy, individuals may experience a range of common side effects, including:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Vaginal discharge
• Constipation
• Menopause-like symptoms, such as hot flashes

The specific side effects can depend on the type of hysterectomy and the reason for the surgery. Pain medication and the use of sanitary pads can help manage these short-term effects.

Investigating the Impact on Ovarian Function

Hysterectomies that do not involve the removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) may still affect ovarian function. Some studies have suggested that certain hysterectomies can accelerate the onset of menopause, potentially due to changes in blood supply to the ovaries. However, the evidence on this topic remains mixed, and further research is needed to fully understand the long-term impact on ovarian function.

Addressing Menopause Symptoms After Oophorectomy

If a hysterectomy is performed along with the removal of one or both ovaries (oophorectomy), the person will experience menopause, as the ovaries are the primary producers of the hormone estrogen. The resulting sudden drop in estrogen can lead to a range of menopausal symptoms, including:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Sleep disturbances
• Mood swings and irritability
• Weight gain
• Hair loss
• Dry skin
• Incontinence
• Loss of bone density
• Rapid heartbeat

In these cases, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be prescribed to help alleviate the severity and duration of menopausal symptoms.

Understanding the Recovery Process

The recovery timeline for a hysterectomy can vary depending on the type of procedure and the individual’s overall health. Generally:

• Vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy recovery typically takes 3-4 weeks.
• Abdominal hysterectomy recovery may take 4-6 weeks.

During the recovery period, individuals are advised to:

• Avoid driving for 2 weeks
• Refrain from lifting objects heavier than a bag of groceries for 6 weeks
• Expect fatigue for the first 6 weeks
• Anticipate spotting and vaginal discharge for up to 8 weeks
• Avoid inserting anything into the vagina for 8 weeks

Adhering to these guidelines, maintaining good hygiene, and following the healthcare provider’s instructions can facilitate a smooth recovery.

Preparing for the Hysterectomy

Before undergoing a hysterectomy, it is important to have an open discussion with your healthcare provider. Some key questions to ask include:

• What type of hysterectomy is recommended, and why?
• Will my ovaries or fallopian tubes be removed as well?
• What are the potential risks and complications of the procedure?
• How long is the expected recovery time, and what can I do to optimize healing?
• Will I experience any long-term side effects, such as changes in sexual function or menopausal symptoms?

By understanding the details of the procedure and the expected outcomes, individuals can make informed decisions and better prepare for the journey ahead.

Recovery and long term impact

During recovery from hysterectomy a person may experience pain, bleeding, and constipation. There may also be menopause-type symptoms, such as hot flashes. However, the side effects can depend on the type of procedure and reason for surgery.

A hysterectomy is a surgery that removes the uterus. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a doctor may recommend a hysterectomy if a person has:

• endometriosis
• uterine fibroids
• gynecologic cancer
• abnormal bleeding
• chronic pain in the pelvis

A doctor may also perform a hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse, and genetic diseases that make some cancer more likely, such as Lynch syndrome.

In this article, we focus on hysterectomies for gynecological reasons and explain:

• types of hysterectomy
• side effects of each one
• potential risks and complications
• questions to ask a doctor

Share on PinterestWearing loose clothing and keeping the surgical area clean and dry can aid recovery after a hysterectomy.

According to ACOG, there are three broad types of hysterectomy:

• Total hysterectomy: This surgery involves the complete removal of the uterus and cervix.
• Supracervical hysterectomy: During this procedure, surgeons remove the uterus but not the cervix. A doctor may also refer to this procedure as a subtotal or partial hysterectomy.
• Radical hysterectomy: This surgery removes the uterus, cervix, and surrounding support tissue. Doctors often recommend this type of hysterectomy for people with cancer.

Additionally, a hysterectomy with oophorectomy is when surgeons remove the uterus and one or both ovaries during the same surgery.

A hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy involves removing the fallopian tubes.

Also, surgeons can perform a hysterectomy in several different ways. They may remove the organs through the abdomen, or they may remove them through the vagina.

A laparoscopic-assisted hysterectomy involves a surgeon performing part of the surgery through the abdomen but removing the uterus through the vagina, combining both approaches.

It is common for people to experience pain, bleeding, vaginal discharge, and constipation after a hysterectomy. Pain medication and using sanitary pads can help with these side effects.

What other short-term side effects a person may experience depend on the type of hysterectomy they have.

Hysterectomy without oophorectomy

A hysterectomy that does not involve ovary removal may still affect the ovaries.

According to a 2020 review, research studies have found some evidence suggesting that some hysterectomies that spare the ovaries may speed up the onset of menopause.

A small, older study from 2006 found that hysterectomies may affect blood supply to the ovaries, which is one theory for why this could happen.

However, the evidence for this is still very mixed and dependent on the type of hysterectomy and what organs and surrounding tissues the surgeon removes.

Scientists are still investigating the long-term effects of hysterectomies and need to do further studies on the impact hysterectomies on ovarian function.

Hysterectomy with oophorectomy

If a person has undergone a hysterectomy with oophorectomy, this means they no longer have ovaries.

The ovaries produce the hormone estrogen. Without these organs, a person who had not undergone menopause already will experience menopause symptoms.

These side effects of hysterectomy with oophorectomy include:

• hot flashes
• night sweats
• vaginal dryness
• difficulty sleeping
• mood swings and irritability
• weight gain
• hair loss
• dry skin
• incontinence
• loss of bone density
• rapid heartbeat

The duration of these symptoms will vary from person to person. Due to the sudden drop in estrogen, people who have had an oophorectomy may experience exaggerated symptoms.

A doctor can prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to reduce menopause symptoms for people who are premenopausal.

According to the Office on Women’s Health, it typically takes 3–4 weeks to recover from a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy.

It may take 4–6 weeks to recover from an abdominal hysterectomy.

A person’s age and overall health also influence their recovery time.

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute say that after a hysterectomy, an individual:

• cannot drive for 2 weeks
• cannot lift objects heavier than a bag of groceries for 6 weeks
• may experience fatigue for the first 6 weeks
• may see spotting and vaginal discharge for 8 weeks
• cannot insert anything into the vagina for 8 weeks

A person can aid their recovery by:

• doing light exercise, such as walking
• getting plenty of rest
• keeping any surgical incisions clean and dry
• avoiding tight clothing
• checking incisions regularly for signs of infection
• avoiding water directly hitting an incision in the shower
• gently cleaning the area
• taking prescribed medications correctly

A person will typically stay in the hospital for 1–2 days following the procedure before returning home to recover. This time can vary depending on the type of hysterectomy. Abdominal surgery may require a stay of 2–3 days.

If someone has a hysterectomy due to cancer, they may need to stay for longer.

According to ACOG, the risks of an abdominal hysterectomy include:

• infection
• wound bleeding
• blood clots
• nerve or tissue damage

Vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomies typically have a lower risk for complications. However, any type of hysterectomy can potentially cause these problems.

According to a 2018 study, having a hysterectomy before 35 years of age also increases a person’s risk factor for several medical conditions, including:

• 14% increased risk of lipid abnormalities
• 13% increased risk of high blood pressure
• 18% increased risk of obesity
• 33% increased risk of coronary artery disease
• 4.6-fold increased risk of congestive heart failure
• 2.5-fold increased risk of coronary artery disease

In addition to physical changes, a person who undergoes a hysterectomy may also experience changes in their mental health.

Hysterectomies mean a person can no longer get pregnant. For some, this causes grief and sadness, particularly if they had hoped to have more children.

A person will also not have periods anymore, which can make a female feel they have lost part of their identity or womanhood.

For others, losing their periods can be a relief. If someone has a painful or difficult health condition, their symptoms may improve, along with their quality of life.

People who do not want children may also feel relieved that they cannot become pregnant.

A study of females who underwent hysterectomies without ovary removal from 1980–2002 found that they had a 6.6% higher risk for new depression diagnoses and a 4.7% higher risk for anxiety diagnoses in the 20 years following their surgery.

The researchers are not sure why this occurred, so scientists need to carry out more research to understand this trend.

Hysterectomies are not reversible, so it is a good idea for people to ask for as much information as they need to feel confident with their decision.

Questions to ask could include:

• Will the procedure cure a condition or just treat the symptoms?
• Are there any alternatives to a hysterectomy that may help with symptoms?
• Will natural menopause improve the symptoms, and, if so, is a hysterectomy necessary?
• Could symptoms return after the procedure, and if so, what happens then?
• Is there a way to preserve eggs if I want a child in the future, via a surrogate, for example?
• What type of hysterectomy would you recommend?
• Will you remove the cervix, fallopian tubes, or surrounding tissue?
• What can I expect during and after the procedure?

According to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a person should contact their doctor or healthcare provider if they experience any of the following symptoms after their surgery:

• heavy vaginal bleeding that soaks a pad in less than 1 hour
• foul vaginal odor
• changes in urinary frequency or inability to urinate
• fever at or above 100. 4^oF
• continuous constipation
• diarrhea
• vomiting or nausea
• swelling, pain, or tenderness around the incision
• any openings at the incision site
• chest pains or trouble breathing
• severe pain that does not improve with pain relief

Short-term hysterectomy side effects can include pain, bleeding, discharge, and constipation. A person may also temporarily experience menopause-like symptoms, such as hot flashes. These will resolve as a person recovers.

In the long term, a person may feel a sense of loss or sadness, or possibly relief following the procedure. People who have also had ovaries removed will experience menopause and may benefit from HRT.

Hysterectomies have some risks, and they also mean a person cannot become pregnant. The individual can talk to their doctor about all their options before undergoing surgery.

Signs You’re Overdoing It After a Hysterectomy: Aftercare, Risks

A hysterectomy is a type of surgery that removes the uterus. It may be a treatment option for conditions like uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or gynecologic cancer. There are three different types of hysterectomy:

• Total: During a total hysterectomy, both the uterus and cervix are removed. This is the most common type of hysterectomy.
• Partial: A partial, or supracervical, hysterectomy removes the upper portion of the uterus, but keeps the cervix in place.
• Radical: In a radical hysterectomy, the uterus, cervix, and surrounding tissues are removed. This may be done when gynecological cancer has been diagnosed.

Additionally, the ovaries, fallopian tubes or both may be removed during a hysterectomy. These procedures are called oophorectomy, salpingectomy, and salpingo-oophorectomy.

There are several ways that a hysterectomy is performed, including through the vagina or through the abdomen. It’s done either through a traditional incision or laparoscopically, or a combination of these approaches. Regardless of how a hysterectomy is done, it’s vital not to overexert yourself after your procedure.

Below, we’ll cover signs that you may have overdone it after a hysterectomy, activities to avoid, and when to seek medical care.

Getting plenty of rest is important following any major surgery, and a hysterectomy is no exception. This is particularly vital in the first few days after you’ve returned home from the hospital.

While rest is important, starting to move around as often as possible is also key to your recovery. As you begin to do this, you may find that you tire easily. It’s normal to feel this way, even if you were active prior to your surgery.

However, it’s possible that you can overdo it as well.

Remember that the tissues of your pelvic area have undergone a traumatic event and need to heal. Depending on the procedure that you had, you may also have sutures on your abdomen, inside your vagina, or both.

During your recovery period, these areas will be sensitive to anything that strains or stretches them. Because of this, it’s important to listen to your body and avoid trying to do too much at once.

Here are signs that you’ve been overexerting yourself after your procedure:

Pain

Some pain or discomfort is normal after a hysterectomy. You’ll typically take medications to ease pain in first 1 or 2 weeks after your surgery.

However, pain is also a common indicator that you may be overexerting yourself after your surgery. This may include increases in:

• abdominal pain or pressure
• pelvic pain or pressure
• lower back pain

Stop doing any activity that leads to increased pain. After a few days, carefully revisit the activity.

In general, doing normal activities will cause less pain over time. If pain remains persistent or gets worse, and doesn’t improve with pain medications, contact your doctor.

Vaginal bleeding or discharge

Vaginal bleeding and discharge is normal after a hysterectomy and can last for a few weeks. As time passes, this will taper off until it stops altogether.

If you notice that vaginal bleeding or discharge increases after a specific activity, you may have done too much. Rest and carefully monitor the situation.

You’ll likely need to wear a pad during recovery for vaginal bleeding and discharge. If you notice that increased bleeding or discharge soaks through a pad quickly or contains blood clots, call your doctor.

Incisions start to ooze or weep

If you have incisions on your abdomen, you may notice that they will leak a small amount of clear or light red fluid in the days after your procedure. This is normal and should go away shortly.

Movements that pull or stretch the area around your incisions can irritate them. This may cause additional drainage of fluid or blood.

If this happens, stop doing that particular activity and allow the area to rest and heal. It may be helpful to wear loose, breathable clothing to avoid further irritation.

If you notice heavy fluid or blood drainage that soaks through your dressings, seek immediate medical care. Additionally, drainage of pus from your incision signals an infection that requires medical attention.

Your doctor will give you detailed information on activities to avoid as you recover. Let’s examine some of these activities and when you may begin doing them again.

Exact timeframes may vary depending on factors like the type of hysterectomy you had, how the procedure was done, and your overall health. When in doubt, stick to your doctor’s instructions.

Bathing and showering

When you leave the hospital, you’ll be given instructions about wound care. This will include information on bathing and showering.

You should be able to shower the day after your procedure. During this time, you can allow the water to run over your incisions. However, try to avoid having water hit it directly.

After showering, use a clean tissue or paper towel to carefully pat incisions dry.

Exact instructions on bathing can depend on your doctor and the type of procedure that you had. You may need to wait at least 4 weeks until you can completely submerge in a bath.

Exercising

Physical activity can be helpful as you recover from surgery. When you leave the hospital, care staff will give you information on appropriate exercises. These will also include pelvic floor exercises.

Begin with low-impact exercise, such as walking. You can also swim after your surgical wounds have healed sufficiently and vaginal bleeding has stopped.

You can gradually begin to increase the intensity of exercise as you recover. However, avoid things like rigorous exercise or heavy lifting until your doctor gives the OK.

While instructions from your doctor may vary, heavy lifting is considered to be any object over 20 pounds. If you need to lift a lighter object during your recovery period, do so with bent knees and a straight back.

Household activities

Ask a family member or close friend to help you with household activities — like cleaning, laundry, and meals — in the first week or so of your recovery.

While resting is important, you can start gradually doing household activities when you feel able to.

Break up household activities into more manageable chunks. For example, you may find it’s easier to wash a few dishes, take a break, and then wash a few more dishes.

Additionally, you can modify certain types of household tasks, like sitting instead of standing to fold clothes.

Avoid household activities that are strenuous or involve heavy lifting. Examples include:

• vacuuming
• putting away heavy cookware
• carrying bags of groceries

Driving

Generally speaking, it’s OK to drive when:

• you can effectively operate all of the controls in the car
• you feel comfortable while wearing a seat belt
• you’re able to come to an emergency stop
• you’re no longer taking medications that have a sedative effect, such as pain medications

This may be between 3 to 8 weeks after your hysterectomy. To gauge your level of comfort, sit in your car while it’s off perform motions that you’d do while driving, such as using the pedals, shifting, and looking over your shoulder.

When you do begin driving again, take a friend or family member along with you the first time you go out. That way, if you experience discomfort, they can take over for you.

Going back to work

When you return to work depends on the type of job that you have. For example, if you work from home, you may be able to return to work earlier than if you have a job that involves manual labor or heavy lifting.

For jobs that don’t require physical exertion, you may be able to return to work between 4 and 6 weeks after laparoscopic or vaginal hysterectomy, but for an abdominal procedure it may take longer, at 6 to 8 weeks.

Sex

Wait to have sex until your surgical wounds have healed and vaginal discharge has stopped. After this point, which may be 8 weeks after your hysterectomy, you can have sex as long as it’s comfortable for you.

It’s normal to have reduced libido following a hysterectomy. This typically improves as your recovery continues.

Vaginal dryness is also common after a hysterectomy. If this affects you, use a lubricant during sex.

Traveling

Before traveling after your hysterectomy, consider factors like:

• the length of your drive or flight
• whether you’ll be comfortable while traveling
• if the activities you’ll do during your travels are appropriate for the stage of your recovery

When in doubt, speak with your doctor before traveling during your recovery period. They can tell you about risks associated with travel and steps you can take to travel safely.

Typically, you’ll visit your doctor for a follow-up 2 weeks after the hysterectomy. During this time, they’ll assess how your recovery is proceeding.

However, there are signs that you should seek medical attention sooner. Contact your doctor if you experience:

• vaginal bleeding or discharge that has a foul odor
• signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI), such as:
  • frequent urination
  • painful or burning sensation when you urinate
  • cloudy urine
  • foul-smelling urine
• symptoms of an infection around your incision, such as:
  • fever or chills
  • tenderness, redness, or swelling around the incision
  • pus draining from the incision
• prolonged constipation or diarrhea

Medical emergency

Some symptoms are more serious and can signal a medical emergency. Call 911 or visit an emergency room if you have:

• pain that starts to get worse or is persistent, despite pain medications
• pain with fever, nausea, vomiting, or reduced appetite
• heavy vaginal bleeding
• heavy discharge or bleeding from your incision that soaks through your dressings
• signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), such as an area of your leg that’s swollen, red, tender, or warm to the touch
• symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, including chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, rapid heartbeat, or coughing up blood

Takeaway                                                 

Both rest and minor activity are important after a hysterectomy. However, it’s also possible to overexert yourself.

Signs of overexertion include increased pain, vaginal discharge or bleeding, or drainage from your incision. If any of these happen, stop doing an activity and revisit it again in several days. If symptoms get worse, call your doctor.

You’ll be given instructions on when and how to start doing activities during your recovery, so follow these carefully. As you recover, be patient and listen to your body.

Surgery to remove the uterus – indications, consequences, recovery after hysterectomy

Surgery to remove the uterus – consequences for the woman

Contents of the page:

• Indications for removal of the uterus
• What happens to the body after a hysterectomy?
• Features of recovery after hysterectomy

Removal of the uterus is a fairly common operation in medical practice. It is prescribed if the organ is severely affected due to various diseases, as well as in cancerous tumors. This is an extreme measure that doctors resort to when there is a threat to a woman’s life. And yet, this operation is one of the most frequent in gynecology. Why is this happening? The fact is that patients often turn to doctors at advanced stages of the disease, when hysterectomy no longer has an alternative.

It is not easy to decide on such a serious operation, a woman immediately has a lot of questions about her future life. The loss of an important organ is a difficult test for the body, it will take time to adapt. However, if you follow all the doctor’s instructions, recovery after the operation will be successful.

Indications for removal of the uterus

This surgical intervention is used in the following cases:

• advanced endometriosis;
• multiple myoma nodes;
• cancerous tumors;
• severe uterine bleeding due to difficult childbirth, trauma.

Surgery is also indicated when conservative treatment of various diseases fails. Subsequent rehabilitation will depend on the method of intervention. When surgeons operate using the classical laparotomy technique, which involves an incision in the abdomen, recovery is usually difficult and time-consuming. A more gentle method that can be used to remove the uterus is laparoscopy. It allows you to minimize blood loss and the impact on neighboring organs, avoid damage to the skin and muscle tissue. As a result, the woman recovers faster and returns to her usual life.

What happens to the body after a hysterectomy?

As a rule, when a woman learns about the need for this operation, she is more afraid not of the intervention itself, but of its consequences. The main question of patients: how will life change after removal of the uterus? Most often, of course, it is asked by women of childbearing age, for whom, after a hysterectomy, the possibility of becoming pregnant and giving birth is excluded forever.

In addition to deprivation of reproductive functions, the removal of the uterus is fraught with other consequences:

• Hormonal changes – menstruation disappears, and if the ovaries were removed during the operation, an abrupt menopause occurs. Symptoms will have to be suppressed with hormonal drugs.
• Decreased quality of sexual life – many women complain of a weakening of libido and some dryness in the vagina. However, the loss of the uterus does not affect the ability to enjoy. And the problem of dryness is successfully solved with the help of lubricants.
• Problems with urination are one of the possible complications after a hysterectomy. Some patients develop urinary incontinence, but timely diagnosis by a doctor and proper therapy will help to cope with this.
• Violation of intestinal motility – may be observed for some time after surgery. The position of the internal organs relative to each other is changing, so proper nutrition and special gymnastics are required.
• Osteoporosis – due to a decrease in estrogen production, calcium and phosphorus begin to be washed out of the bones, they become brittle. But this is also corrected with the help of nutrition and medication.
• The risk of vaginal prolapse occurs in patients who did not follow the recommendations in the postoperative period – lifted weights, etc., in order to reduce this likelihood, it is recommended to refrain from physical activity and perform Kegel exercises at first.
• Psychological consequences – many women develop depression associated with feelings of inferiority. When symptoms appear, it is recommended to undergo a course of psychotherapy.

It is important to understand that the removal of the uterus is a serious operation, but a full life after it is possible. The main thing is to correctly approach the rehabilitation process.

Features of recovery after hysterectomy

If the intervention was performed laparoscopically, recovery will be quick and easy. Already 6 hours after the operation, you can try to get up. Discharge usually takes 3 days. And then for 1.5-2 months the patient should follow the recommendations of doctors:

• abstain from sexual intimacy;
• limit physical activity;
• do not swim in the pool or swim in open water;
• take antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs to avoid infection;
• in the presence of pain – use analgesics prescribed by the attending physician.

You will also need a special diet that excludes foods that cause bloating. After removal of the uterus, carbonated foods, legumes, alcohol, sweets, flour are not allowed. It is also recommended to refuse fried, salted, smoked. You can learn more about the diet from the doctor.

The Bilyak clinic offers professional assistance to women in need of a hysterectomy. Here preference is given to laparoscopic methods, and operations are carried out on modern equipment. This avoids the risk of postoperative complications. During their stay in the clinic, patients are provided with a healthy balanced diet based on organic products.

Surgery to reduce your risk of gynecological cancer

This information will help you learn about surgeries you may need to reduce your risk of gynecological cancer.

People with certain inherited conditions (passed down from parents to children) may choose to have surgery to reduce their risk of developing gynecological cancer. Gynecological cancer is any cancer of the female reproductive organs, such as cancer of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, endometrium, cervix, or uterus.

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About your reproductive system

The reproductive system is located in the lower part of your abdomen (belly). It includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina (see Figure 1).

Figure 1. Your reproductive system

The uterus is located in the lower part of your abdomen between your bladder and rectum. The tissue that lines the inside of the uterus is called the endometrium. The lower narrow end of the uterus is called the cervix. The ovaries and fallopian tubes are connected to the uterus.

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About surgery to reduce the risk of hereditary gynecological cancer

You may need different types of surgery to reduce your risk of gynecological cancer. These include:

• bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy), also called BSO;
• BSO with endometrial biopsy;
• bilateral tubectomy;
• total hysterectomy;
• total hysterectomy with BSO.

These surgeries are performed either laparoscopically or with the help of robots.

During laparoscopic surgery, your surgeon will use a laparoscope (a tube-like instrument with a camera) and surgical instruments to perform the operation. The laparoscope is connected to a video camera and a TV, allowing the surgeon to see inside your abdomen. The surgeon will make several small incisions (surgical cuts) in your abdomen and use a laparoscope and small instruments to remove tissue.

In robotic surgery, the surgeon will make small incisions in your abdomen and use the robot as a tool to perform the operation. The surgeon will sit in front of a console with a 3D view of the operation site. From there, he will carry out the operation using a controlled robot. You can discuss with your surgeon which option is best for you.

These operations are described in more detail in the following sections. Check with your healthcare provider for more information about these surgeries and other options.

Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO)

This is an operation to remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries. You may be given a BSO if you have a high chance of getting ovarian or fallopian tube cancer in the future.

Your periods (periods) will stop after the operation. You may experience typical menopausal symptoms (the condition of not having a period for at least 12 months). You will also become infertile (not able to have biological children). For more information about these side effects, see the Side Effects of Gynecological Surgery section.

BSO with endometrial biopsy

This operation is similar to BSO, except you will also have an endometrial biopsy. An endometrial biopsy is a type of medical examination that removes a small sample of tissue from the lining of the uterus. Your healthcare provider will check a tissue sample for precancerous cells and endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus).

Apart from cramping during the procedure, you won’t have any side effects or complications after an endometrial biopsy.

Bilateral tubectomy

This is an operation to remove only the fallopian tubes without the ovaries. In some cases, you may be scheduled for a bilateral tubectomy if there is a high chance that you may develop ovarian or fallopian tube cancer in the future, but you are not of the recommended age for spaying.

After surgery, depending on your age, you may still have your period but be infertile. Bilateral tubectomy does not lead to menopause unless the ovaries are removed. For more information about these side effects, see the Side Effects of Gynecological Surgery section.

Total hysterectomy

A total hysterectomy is an operation to remove the uterus and cervix. This surgery may be ordered to reduce your risk of gynecological cancer due to cancer of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tube or ovaries, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, severe vaginal bleeding, or pelvic pain. Your doctor will explain to you why this operation will be performed.

After a hysterectomy, you will become infertile. A hysterectomy does not lead to menopause unless the ovaries are removed. For more information about these side effects, see the Side Effects of Gynecological Surgery section.

Total hysterectomy with BSO

This operation is similar to a hysterectomy, except that you will have a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy at the same time as the hysterectomy. During this operation, both ovaries and fallopian tubes will be removed.

Your periods will stop after the operation. You may experience typical menopausal symptoms. You will also become barren. For more information about these side effects, see the Side Effects of Gynecological Surgery section.

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Side effects of gynecological surgery

If both ovaries are removed during surgery, you will stop menstruating. You may have typical menopausal symptoms, including night sweats, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness. You may still experience some of these symptoms during or after your menopause, but it doesn’t have to be.

Talk to your health care provider about ways to manage these symptoms. If necessary, there are hormonal and non-hormonal treatments that will help to cope with them. Your health care provider will recommend treatment based on your medical history and other information about health problems.

You will also become infertile after the operation. If you would like to have biological children in the future, ask your healthcare provider to refer you to a fertility nurse/nurse. For more information, read the resource Fertility Preservation: Women’s Options When Starting Cancer Treatment.

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About MSK CATCH

If you have had genetic testing and counseling and you have a confirmed hereditary cancer syndrome, our MSK CATCH Hereditary Cancer Surveillance Program is Comprehensive Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention of Cancer in Hereditary Predisposition. Treatment, and Prevention of Cancers with Hereditary Predispositions) – might suit you. For more information, talk to your healthcare provider or read MSK CATCH: Expert advice on hereditary cancer syndromes.