A hysterectomy is a surgery to remove a woman’s uterus and potentially her fallopian tubes and ovaries. You may choose to have a hysterectomy because of different health reasons, although hysterectomies for noncancerous reasons are usually only considered if other treatments have not been successful.
Who May Benefit From a Hysterectomy
Your doctor may recommend a hysterectomy if you experience persistent and prolonged:
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Vaginal prolapse
- Vaginal bleeding
- Pelvic pain
A hysterectomy can also be part of a treatment plan for gynecologic cancers, including cervical cancer and uterine cancer, or preventing ovarian cancer.
Other Things to Consider With a Hysterectomy
Your Rush OB-GYN will provide you with information on the procedure, including any risk factors, so you can make the best decision for you. It is important to know the following:
- After a hysterectomy, you can no longer carry a baby in your uterus.
- If your ovaries are removed, you will enter menopause. If your ovaries are not removed, you may still enter menopause at an earlier age than you would have previously.
- Your OB-GYN will likely recommend exploring all of your treatment options first, if your condition is noncancerous.
- Rush experts use robotic surgery to perform hysterectomies, which shortens recovery time. While everyone’s recovery is different, you will likely need to avoid sex and lifting heavy objects for six weeks after surgery.
Meet our hysterectomy providers
Rush Excellence in Hysterectomy Care
- Nationally ranked for gynecologic care: U.S. News & World Report ranked Rush University Medical Center’s gynecology program among the nation's best. Our gynecology program takes a holistic approach to your care, prioritizing your preferences and offering you a full range of treatment options that consider your overall well-being.
- Expert care, caring for you: At Rush, you’ll have a team of OB-GYN experts, including providers who specialize in pelvic health, working for you. If a hysterectomy is your best option, you can feel confident that our OB-GYNs and subspecialists considered and explored all other treatment options to find you relief.
- Minimally invasive surgery decreases pain and recovery time: For most patients, Rush OB-GYNs use robotic surgery to perform hysterectomies. Compared with traditional surgery, you’ll experience smaller incisions, less scarring and pain, and a shorter hospital stay and recovery time with this minimally invasive surgical option.
- Teaming up for cancer care: If you’re considering a hysterectomy as part of cancer treatment, our OB-GYNs partner with gynecologic oncologists to care for you with a team approach. Our nationally recognized gynecologic cancer program at Rush University Medical Center was one of the first in the region to fight gynecologic cancers by bringing together multiple specialties for targeted patient care.