HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
Hysterectomy
Tangohanga kōpū
A hysterectomy is an operation to take out your womb (uterus). This will usually include your cervix. Depending on the reason for the surgery, your fallopian tubes and ovaries may also be removed.
There are several reasons for needing a hysterectomy. These include heavy periods, pelvic organ prolapse and abnormal cells. Other treatments such as medicines are often tried before a hysterectomy is recommended.
After a hysterectomy, you will not have periods, and you will not be able to become pregnant.
Hysterectomy surgery
There are 3 main types of hysterectomy surgery:
- Keyhole surgery (laparoscopy). You can read more about laparoscopy in this leaflet.
- Vaginal hysterectomy where the surgery is internal through your vagina.
- Abdominal hysterectomy, which involves an incision (cut) through your tummy.
Your surgeon will discuss what type of surgery would be best for you.
After a hysterectomy
Most people recover fully from a hysterectomy within 6 to 8 weeks.
Having a hysterectomy does not cause early menopause unless you have had your ovaries removed.
Most people will no longer need to have cervical screening after a hysterectomy. But if you have had abnormal screening or cervical cancer, you may need ongoing screening.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Te Whatu Ora Waitaha – Hysterectomy
This pamphlet explains more about what hysterectomy involves. It also explains the different ways the operation can be done and what to expect afterwards.
- Healthify He Puna Wairoa – Hysterectomy
More detailed information about hysterectomy.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed January 2025.
SourcesReview key: HIHYS-140914
