A hysterectomy is a relatively common surgical procedure for women in the United States. About 600,000 hysterectomies are performed every year in the United States, making it the second most common surgery for women after C-sections.

If you’re preparing for a hysterectomy, it’s helpful to understand the procedure, what to expect after your surgery, and how to care for yourself for the best recovery.

What is a Hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a surgery that removes the uterus. Sometimes, the ovaries and fallopian tubes are also removed. A hysterectomy can help with many conditions, including:

Painful or heavy periods
A prolapsed uterus — this happens when the uterus falls into the vagina
Fibroids — non-cancerous growths inside your uterus
Cancer or precancer of the reproductive organs
Endometriosis in the muscle of your uterus

Types of hysterectomy

The type of surgery you will have depends on your unique medical condition. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about your surgery type. Here is a detailed look at the different types:

Supracervical hysterectomy, also called partial hysterectomy. This surgery removes the top part of your uterus only, leaving your cervix intact.
Total hysterectomy. This is the most common type of hysterectomy. In this procedure, your surgeon removes your uterus and your cervix, but not your ovaries. Leaving the ovaries in place can help maintain your hormone levels and potentially reduce the risk of certain health issues, like osteoporosis (a condition where your bones become weak and brittle).
Hysterectomy with oophorectomy or salpingo-oophorectomy. During this procedure, your surgeon will remove your uterus, cervix, one or both fallopian tubes (salpingectomy), and one or both of your ovaries (oophorectomy). This procedure triggers immediate menopause.
Radical hysterectomy. This type of hysterectomy is typically performed to treat cancer. Your surgeon will remove your uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and nearby tissue. In some cases, lymph nodes are also removed.

In addition to the different hysterectomy types, there are different surgical methods for performing a hysterectomy:

Abdominal hysterectomy. Your uterus is removed through a large cut in your abdomen. You may stay in the hospital overnight, or longer. This surgery is the toughest for recovery, which typically takes four to eight weeks.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy. Your surgeon makes several small cuts in your abdomen and uses a laparoscope — a thin, flexible tube with a video camera — and small scalpels to remove your uterus in sections, either through the tube or through your vagina. Most women go home the same day of their surgery and usually return to their normal activities in four to six weeks.
Robotic hysterectomy. Like the laparoscopic method, your surgeon makes several small cuts in your abdomen. They will then use a mix of high-definition magnification tools, small robotic arms, and surgical tools to view and remove your uterus. Most women go home the same day of their surgery and usually return to their normal activities in four to six weeks.
Vaginal hysterectomy. Your uterus is removed through your vagina without any external cuts. This method typically causes the fewest complications and is often the fastest recovery — usually about four weeks or less. You will probably go home on the same day as your surgery.

Tips for comfort, healing, and self-care

Your Ovaries

If your ovaries are removed, menopause can begin right away, often with stronger symptoms than natural menopause.

Hormone replacement therapy can help and can reduce your risk of osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor about the best options for you. Rarely, even if your ovaries are left in place, removing your uterus can make them less active and start some menopause symptoms.

Hysterectomy Recovery Must-Haves

As you plan for your hysterectomy, there are many essential items to have at home to help keep you comfortable during recovery:

Soft, loose-fitting clothing and pajamas
Cotton underwear with a non-binding waistband
Over-the-counter pain medication, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Sanitary pads
Tummy pillow — a small, soft pillow to protect your abdomen on your trip home and support your abdomen when coughing, sneezing, or changing positions
Heating pads and soft ice packs
Water bottle or cup with a straw
Books, magazines, and other entertainment
Healthy snacks
Lip balm

What to Expect After Hysterectomy

After your hysterectomy, you will no longer be able to get pregnant. You will also stop getting your monthly period. If your ovaries are removed, you will be in menopause after your surgery.

You can also expect:

Pain and soreness. You may feel sore for several weeks. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, usually make pain manageable. If your pain is severe, your surgeon may prescribe other pain medications. Take these medications on a schedule to stay ahead of pain.
Bleeding and discharge. Light vaginal bleeding can last up to six weeks and change from red or brown to pinkish. It should get lighter over time. To lessen your risk of infection, it is important to use sanitary pads instead of tampons or menstrual cups.
Changes in bowel movements. Constipation is common after surgery. Stay hydrated and eat plenty of fiber. If you need it, a stool softener or laxative can help. It can take up to four days for your bowels to return to normal function after surgery.
Urination. You should continue to empty your bladder regularly. Call your doctor if you cannot urinate for six hours, or have pain or burning when urinating.
Fatigue. It is common to feel very tired after a hysterectomy. This fatigue can last for several weeks as your body heals following this major surgery. Listen to your body: rest when you feel tired and avoid overexertion. Slow, easy walks can help you recover without overworking your body. Eat a nutritious diet with plenty of lean protein.
Menopause symptoms. If your ovaries are removed, and you haven’t already gone through menopause, you may experience symptoms right away. Your doctor can prescribe medication to help with these issues:

Hot flashes
Vaginal dryness
Lower sex drive
Difficulty sleeping

Dos and Don’ts After Hysterectomy

Do:

Stay active. Gentle exercise like walking can help speed your recovery, reduce gas pains, and minimize your chances of a blood clot.
Keep your incisions clean. Your surgeon will tell you when you can resume showering.
Eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated. Getting enough water and fiber can ease constipation after surgery. Be sure to include protein to support healing.
Rest when you feel tired.

Don’t:

Lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk for four to six weeks
Drive until you can comfortably move and are no longer taking narcotic pain medicine
Have sex, use tampons, or put anything in your vagina for six weeks
Take baths, use hot tubs, or swim for six weeks

Mixed Feelings

Even if you feel relieved that your symptoms are better, it’s also common to feel some sadness after a hysterectomy. Women may feel sorrow at the loss of their fertility, even if they didn’t plan on getting pregnant. Ask your doctor about support options.