Vaginal Hysterectomy

The uterus is a part of the reproductive system of a woman. Some reasons call for its surgical removal, through the vagina, and this process is called vaginal hysterectomy. With vaginal hysterectomy, a woman becomes sterile and is unable of becoming pregnant. There are other names for this procedure like laparoscopic hysterectomy, radical hysterectomy, abdominal hysterectomy, supracervical hysterectomy and removal of the uterus.

How vaginal hystercetomy is done

The uterus is partially or completely removed in hysterectomy. Along with it, the fallopian tubes and ovaries too are removed. With a partial vaginal hysterectomy, only the upper region of the uterus is removed while the cervix is left intact. With a total hysterectomy, the whole uterus and cervix is removed. In vaginal hysterectomy, the process is done through a vaginal incision. However, there is the option of having it done through an abdominal incision or laparoscopic incisions. The surgeon will guide you on the best method for you depending on the cause for the surgery and your medical history.

The main reasons vaginal hysterectomy is opted for is tumors like uterine fibroids or cancerous cells in the uterus. Cervical cancer and ovarian cancer are other reasons for the surgery. Cases where endometriosis results in severe pain and there is no response to non-surgical treatments also need vaginal hysterectomy. Women suffering from prolapse of the uterus, had suffered complications in childbirth, or have long term bleeding that does not respond to medications, are better off with vaginal hysterectomy.

The risk of vaginal hysterectomy

The risks associated with vaginal hysterectomy are similar to the risks for any other surgery. Risk of anesthesia leading to reactions to certain medications and problems in breathing and then there is the risk of bleeding and infection, like other surgeries. Other risks for vaginal hysterectomy include bowel injury, experiencing pain with intercourse and nearby organs like bladder and blood vessels getting injured.

After vaginal hysterectomy, most women usually recover from all their symptoms that had led to hysterectomy. By removing the uterus and ovaries, women end in menopause wherein estrogen replacement therapy is usually indicated. Women are of the impression that hysterectomy results in reduced sexual function. However, the woman’s sexual function generally functions as it did prior to the operation. However if there are cases of reduction of sexual functioning, it is better to consult the doctor for its possible reasons


Vaginal hysterectomy needs about 2 to 3 days stay in the hospital while complete recovery needs 2 weeks to 2 months. However, vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomies heal faster than abdominal hysterectomy and are less painful. Pain relievers are administered intravenously or orally after surgery and a catheter may be used for 2 days for easy passing of urine. It is better to move about as fast as possible as this avoids blood clots in the legs. It is advised to walk to the bathroom as soon as possible and normal diet is adapted once bowel functions return. However, it is not advised to lift heavy objects for a few weeks, and there should be no sexual intercourse for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery.