A total hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which all of the cervix and uterus are totaly removed. Sometimes the ovaries and the fallopian tubes will be removed as well. Once a women has a hysterectomy she will no longer be able to get pregnant and it will stop your periods permanently. It is possible for you to experience symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and depression. Did you know that in the United States a hysterectomy is the second leading type of operation done in women? This shows just how common these surgeries are. Keep in mind that if you are told you need a total hysterectomy there is nothing wrong with getting a second opinion. In fact, a respectable doctor will even recommend it.
If you are not sure the operation is necessary, then you should get a second opinion. A total hysterectomy is not something to be taken lightly. If you are confused about any part of it you need to gather as much information as you can. Ask any and all questions you can think of even if they appear to be unnecessary. After the procedure has been done it cannot be reversed. Some of the conditions that may result in needing this procedure include Uterine Prolapse, Endometriosis, Cancer and Fibroids. Learn all you can about the condition that you have before agreeing to the operation as well, so you will be able to make an informed decision.
You need to be aware that there are risks with any kind of operation and the total hysterectomy is no exception. All surgical procedures run the risk of infection and this can be serious in some cases. However, if you follow all the instructions given you by your doctor you should be fine. Other risks include bowel or bladder injury, and loss of blood. In some cases this is so severe that a transfusion may be necessary. During recuperation you have to be careful not to pull lose the stitches and cause complications. Learn about all of these before you go through with the procedure so you will be fully prepared.
All women heal at different rates depending on how healthy they are to begin with. Therefore, it is hard to say exactly how long you will need for recuperation. However, for women that have a total hysterectomy the average time is between six and eight weeks. You will spend up to ten days in the hospital and then be released to go home, provided everything is going well. You will need someone at home to help you for the first few weeks so make arrangements before you go in to have the operation. Follow all the instructions you were given and you should be back up and feeling good in a couple months.