Busting the myths around having a hysterectomy

For many women and their families, hysterectomy is something of a buzz word. It can trigger fear, anxiety, questions, or doubt. The plethora of myths surrounding having a hysterectomy don’t help either – they can cloud judgement and misinform a woman that needs to make this life-changing decision.

Here’s a roundup of the most common myths about hysterectomies, and what the reality really is.

1. Having a hysterectomy makes sex unenjoyable

A particular concern for younger women and those that enjoy an active sex life, many believe that once the uterus is removed you can no longer enjoy sex or experience sexual pleasure. This isn’t true. In fact, depending on the reason you had the hysterectomy, such as non-cancerous cells, you might find yourself enjoying sex more. Also, the potential worry about getting pregnant is no longer a factor.

2. Having a hysterectomy will trigger menopause

While there have been a few cases of women having early menopause following a hysterectomy, there is still no concrete evidence as to whether the procedure itself or a prior underlying condition were to blame. For the majority of women, however, menopause is not a concern. This is because the ovaries are remaining intact and can continue to release eggs.

3. Having a hysterectomy means a long recovery period

Past versions of the procedure meant yes, this was true – it could take at least a week in the hospital to recover. However, new versions of the procedure such as a robotic hysterectomy or laparoscopic hysterectomy lend minimal invasion, which means you don’t have to spend as much time in recovery. In fact, as long as there are no complications and your overall health is fine, you could go home the same day.

If you’re looking for a private obstetrician London residents can rely on, look no further than Ian Chilcott. As a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Mr Ian Chilcott is based at The Portland Hospital in central London and can help with a variety of matters including endometrial resectioning, laparoscopic hysterectomies; also providing care throughout the pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal period of a woman’s life.