When is it performed?
- Heavy or irregular uterine bleeding that does not respond to medication or other treatments
- Symptomatic fibroids and adenomyosis
- Advanced endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain (in selected patients)
- Atypical endometrial hyperplasia, recurrent precancerous lesions of the cervix
- Uterine cancer and selected other gynaecological cancers
For women who still wish to have children, options that preserve the uterus are considered first.
Are the ovaries and tubes removed?
Hysterectomy on its own does not mean removal of the ovaries. Before the menopause, healthy ovaries are usually preserved so that they continue to produce hormones. Removing the fallopian tubes is often recommended, as it may protect against one type of ovarian cancer. After the menopause, or in women with an inherited cancer risk, removal of the ovaries is also discussed. The decision is made together before surgery.
How is the operation performed?
Under general anaesthesia, a few small incisions are made at the navel and in the lower abdomen. Guided by the camera, the uterus is separated from the surrounding tissues and removed through the vagina; the top of the vagina is then stitched. With a large uterus, the tissue may be reduced in size inside a special bag that prevents spread within the abdomen. The length of the operation depends on the size of the uterus and any additional procedures.
Recovery
- Most patients go home the same day or the next day.
- Light daily activities can be resumed within 1–2 weeks; full recovery usually takes 4–6 weeks.
- Intercourse and heavy lifting are avoided for about 6 weeks to allow the vaginal stitches to heal.
- Walking early helps prevent problems such as blood clots and wind pain.
Complications such as bleeding, infection or injury to the bladder or bowel are rare, and most are recognised and repaired during the operation.
Frequently asked questions
Will I go through the menopause after a hysterectomy?
If the ovaries are preserved, the menopause does not start immediately; periods stop but hormone production continues. If the ovaries are also removed, the menopause begins.
Does hysterectomy affect sexual life?
Studies show that in most women who had pain or bleeding before surgery, sexual life stays the same or improves after the operation.
Laparoscopic, vaginal or open?
The approach depends on the size of the uterus, previous operations, other conditions and the reason for surgery. Incision-free or keyhole approaches are preferred whenever possible.
Book a consultation
Prof. Dr. Derya Sivri Aydın sees patients at Medical Park Bahçelievler Hospital, Istanbul. International patients are supported by the hospital's International Patient Services Center.
The information on this page is for general guidance only; the right diagnosis and treatment for you are decided after a consultation. Last updated: November 2026.