What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of a Hysterectomy?

Reviewed on 2/25/2022
Rendering of a pelvis after a hysterectomy
The most significant side effects after a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) include not being able to become pregnant and the end of menstrual periods. Other side effects can include vaginal dryness, reduced interest in sex, menopausal symptoms, depression, and increased risk of other health problems. 

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the uterus (womb) and cervix. The fallopian tubes and ovaries may also be removed in some cases. 

Immediately following a hysterectomy, patients may stay in the hospital for several days and it can take up to 4 months for recovery, depending on the type of procedure and the reasons it was performed. 

A hysterectomy should provide relief from the symptoms of the condition which necessitated the surgery. 

The two most noticeable side effects of removal of the uterus include: 

  • Pregnancy is no longer possible
  • Menstrual periods will stop 

If the ovaries are not removed along with the uterus, other menopause symptoms will not happen right away, though menopausal symptoms may occur a little earlier than the average age for menopause, which is 52 years. 

Other side effects that may occur after a hysterectomy include:

  • Changes in sexual desire/responsiveness
    • Vaginal dryness
    • Reduced interest in sex (especially when the ovaries are also removed)
  • Menopausal symptoms, if the ovaries are also removed
  • Grief or depression over the loss of fertility or bodily changes
  • Increased risk for other health problems

Possible side effects that are complications of hysterectomy may include: 

  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Urinary incontinence 
  • Bowel dysfunction 
  • Pelvic organ fistula disease
  • Sexual dysfunction

Why Is A Hysterectomy Performed?

A hysterectomy is performed to treat various conditions, such as:

What Are Different Types of Hysterectomies?

There are different types of hysterectomies, depending on what other structures are removed along with the uterus. 

  • Total hysterectomy
    • The most common type of hysterectomy
    • Removal of all of the uterus, including the cervix
    • Ovaries and fallopian tubes may or may not be removed
  • Partial hysterectomy (also called subtotal or supracervical hysterectomy)
    • Removal of only the upper part of the uterus, leaving the cervix in place
    • Ovaries may or may not be removed
  • Radical hysterectomy
    • Removal of all of the uterus, cervix, the tissue on both sides of the cervix, and the upper part of the vagina
    • Used to treat certain types of cancer, such as cervical cancer
    • Fallopian tubes and ovaries may or may not be removed

The decision to remove the ovaries usually depends on the reason for the hysterectomy. Ovaries may be removed in some patients to lower the risk for ovarian cancer. Ovaries are often left intact in patients who are not at risk for ovarian cancer because they produce estrogen, which helps protect against conditions such as heart disease and osteoporosis

Reviewed on 2/25/2022
References
Image Source: iStock Images

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/267273

https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/hysterectomy

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/menopause-beyond-the-basics?search=Menopause&source=search_result&selectedTitle=3~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=3

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/805517