A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure for removing the uterus, and depending on the type of procedure, other parts may also be removed. In the country, more than 600,000 hysterectomies are performed every year. Several factors, like health conditions, can contribute to the decision to get a hysterectomy, based on which doctors may recommend partial or complete removal of reproductive organs. So, here is everything one should know before getting a hysterectomy:

Types
Usually, women opt for this surgery for reasons like dealing with extremely heavy periods, fibroids, or endometriosis. The reasons also determine the type of surgery one may need. Here are the types of hysterectomy usually performed:

Total hysterectomy: Here, the womb and cervix are removed. This is the most common type of hysterectomy. A sub-type called total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy involves the removal of fallopian tubes and ovaries along with the uterus and cervix.

Supracervical hysterectomy: Here, the upper part of the uterus is removed. The cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries stay intact. This type of surgery is always performed through the abdomen and not the vagina.

Radical hysterectomy: This is usually recommended when one is dealing with a serious disease. Here, the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, lymph glands, and fatty tissue are removed. Other organs may be removed depending on the underlying condition.

Methods
Here are the ways in which a surgeon removes the uterus and other reproductive organs:

Vaginal hysterectomy: Doctors perform this type of hysterectomy through the vagina. It has a shorter recovery period than abdominal hysterectomy and no visible scars.

Abdominal hysterectomy: Here, a cut is made in the lower belly or the abdomen region for the operation. One will take longer to heal following this type of surgery.

Advantages
No abnormal periods: There will be no heavy bleeding, cramps, or irritation associated with periods once the uterus is removed.

Improved quality of life: Many women opt for a hysterectomy as a treatment option for conditions like fibroids and endometriosis. Following the surgery, one may find relief from pelvic pain and discomfort caused by the underlying conditions.

Pain-free sex: People may experience pain-free sex following the procedure, improving their sex lives.

Risks
The procedure does carry a few side effects, which can develop either immediately after the surgery or a few weeks later. Some of the common risks of hysterectomy are:

Early menopause: If the ovaries are removed, one may experience menopause symptoms soon after the procedure. Hot flashes, vaginal dryness, loss of libido, insomnia, fatigue, depression, and night sweats are among the common menopause symptoms

Blood loss: One may lose a lot of blood during the surgery and could need a blood transfusion if dealing with anemia.

Blood clots: After a hysterectomy, patients are told to start walking as soon as possible to prevent the formation of blood clots—a common side effect of the surgery.

Infections: One can be at risk of urinary tract infections or wound infections following the surgical procedure. Such infections often go away with prescription treatment.

One should discuss the risks and outcomes of hysterectomy with a doctor before undergoing the procedure. Further, it is important to learn about what to do before and after surgery to minimize the risk of complications.