Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy means surgical removal of the womb. This is the most commonly performed major gynaecological operation. Every year 90,000 women in UK have a hysterectomy.

Women who undergo a hysterectomy will have no more periods and will not be able to bear children.

Hysterectomy is sometimes combined with removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Ovaries store and release eggs as part of the process of reproduction. They also produce important sex hormones and the loss of them is very important. If there is any possibility of one ovary, or even part of an ovary being safely left, you should discuss this with your gynaecologist. If ovaries are removed during a hysterectomy, Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be required.

After the menopause, regardless of age, women lose protection against heart disease and are more liable to develop early weakening of your bones (Osteoporosis) Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) becomes an important consideration.

• Why is it necessary?
• How is it performed?
• Recovery

• HaemophiliaHaemorrhoidsHair lossHand, foot and mouth diseaseHangoverHay feverHead injuryHead liceHeadacheHealth and safety at workHealth recordsHearing and vision tests for childrenHearing impairmentHearing testsHeart attackHeart blockHeart failureHeart lung transplantHeartburnHeatstrokeHepatitisHepatitis AHepatitis BHepatitis CHernia, hiatusHernia, inguinalHiccupHip replacementHIV and AIDSHome testsHomeopathyHormone replacement therapyHospitals, admissionHospitals, childrenHospitals, dischargeHughes syndromeHuntington's diseaseHydrocephalusHydronephrosisHyperglycaemiaHyperlipidaemia and lipid-lowering medicinesHypoglycaemiaHypothermiaHysterectomy

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