Vaginal hysterectomy Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2009.
Answers to questions about vaginal hysterectomy
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Will I need to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after my hysterectomy?
- Are there any advantages to having a vaginal hysterectomy rather than an abdominal hysterectomy?
- Will having a hysterectomy affect my sex life?
Will I need to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after my hysterectomy?
If your ovaries are removed, you may need hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if you haven't already been through the menopause. Your surgeon or GP will let you know whether or not you will need HRT.
Explanation
HRT replaces the hormones that are usually produced naturally by your ovaries.
If your ovaries are removed and you haven't been through the menopause yet, you may be advised to start HRT soon after your operation. This is because as well as producing eggs, your ovaries also produce hormones including oestrogen. Without ovaries to produce these hormones your body won't have the oestrogen it needs. This will cause you to enter the menopause early. The menopause causes a range of symptoms, such as hot flushes and night sweats. These symptoms can be treated with HRT, which replaces the oestrogen that your body has stopped making.
You may be given HRT as an implant, skin patches, a skin gel or tablets after your operation. It's likely that you will be given tablets to start with. You may need to try different doses and forms of HRT before you find the one that suits you best.
HRT may cause some side-effects. These include tender breasts, headaches, nausea, bloating and fluid retention. The side-effects usually decrease over time and can often be relieved by lowering your dose of HRT.
If you have previously had breast cancer, heart disease, stroke or blood clots, HRT may not be suitable for you. Make sure that your GP or surgeon knows if you have had any of these conditions in the past. This will help both of you to decide whether HRT is suitable for you.
Further information
The Hysterectomy Association
0844 3575917
www.hysterectomy-association.org.uk
Sources
- West C. Understanding hysterectomy and the alternatives. London: Family Doctor Publications in association with The British Medical Association, 2002: 32-33
- Roberts H. Managing the menopause. BMJ 2007; 334(7596):736-41. www.bmj.com
- Menopause. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 10 May 2009
Are there any advantages to having a vaginal hysterectomy rather than an abdominal hysterectomy?
Yes, there are some advantages to having a vaginal hysterectomy including a quicker recovery. However, vaginal hysterectomy isn't suitable for all women. The type of hysterectomy you have will be decided after you have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each operation with your surgeon.
Explanation
A hysterectomy can either be done through your vagina (vaginal hysterectomy) or through a cut in your lower abdomen (abdominal hysterectomy).
If you have a vaginal hysterectomy, your recovery will be faster than it would be following an abdominal hysterectomy. This will mean a shorter stay in hospital and you may be able to return to work sooner. Another advantage of this type of hysterectomy is that it doesn't leave a visible scar.
A vaginal hysterectomy is less likely to have complications than an abdominal hysterectomy so your surgeon may recommend that you have a vaginal hysterectomy. However, it may not be suitable if you have large fibroids, endometriosis or if you have previously had an operation such as a caesarean to deliver your baby.
Further information
The Hysterectomy Association
0844 3575917
www.hysterectomy-association.org.uk
Sources
- West C. Understanding hysterectomy and the alternatives. London: Family Doctor Publications in association with The British Medical Association, 2002: 32-33
- Nieboer TE, Johnson N, Barlow D, et al. Surgical approach to hysterectomy for benign gynaecological disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 2. www.cochrane.org
Will having a hysterectomy affect my sex life?
A hysterectomy shouldn't affect your sex life. Many women find that their sex life remains the same, or even gets better, after having a hysterectomy.
Explanation
It's natural to worry that a hysterectomy might affect your sex life. However, this isn't necessarily the case. Research shows that most women remain sexually active following a hysterectomy and that their sexual pleasure may even be improved. This can be because you no longer need to worry about vaginal bleeding or getting pregnant, or because you feel generally better after your hysterectomy.
You may find that you experience some vaginal dryness, especially if you have had your ovaries removed. You can buy lubricants from your pharmacy that can help with this. Alternatively hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which can be prescribed by your GP or surgeon as a vaginal cream, may help.
You will need to wait at least six weeks after your hysterectomy before having sex. This will allow the wound to heal properly. Your surgeon will be able to give you more specific advice on when you're able to start having sex again.
Further information
The Hysterectomy Association
0844 3575917
www.hysterectomy-association.org.uk
Sources
- West C. Understanding hysterectomy and the alternatives. London: Family Doctor Publications in association with The British Medical Association, 2002: 32-33
- Having a hysterectomy. Macmillan Cancer Support. www.cancerbackup.org.uk, accessed 1 May 2009
- Roberts H. Managing the menopause. BMJ 2007; 334(7596): 736-41. www.bmj.com
- Halmesmäki K, Hurskainen R, Teperi J, et al. The effect of hysterectomy or levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system on sexual functioning among women with menorrhagia: a 5-year randomised controlled trial. BJOG 2007; 114(5):563-68
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: November 2009
Vaginal hysterectomy factsheet
Visit the Vaginal hysterectomy health factsheet for more information.
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