Everything HYSTERECTOMY - Gynecologist answers all your questions!

There is SO much confusion about hysterectomies - what are they, how and why are they done, what are the risks, how will you feel afterwards?

Board-certified Gynecologic Surgeon Dr. Karen Tang explains everything you need to know, and answers all of your questions about hysts, including:

0:00 Introduction
1:21 What is a hysterectomy?
2:03 What happens to the ovaries?
2:58 What happens to the cervix?
4:14 Types of hysterectomy
5:10 Why not do a hyst if you just don't want periods?
6:28 Risks of surgery
7:17 Sex after hysterectomy
7:47 Prolapse and incontinence
8:35 Hormone health
9:23 Recovery from surgery

Information provided in this video is for educational purposes only, and does NOT constitute medical advice. Dr. Tang cannot give medical advice in the comments. This video represents the views of Dr. Tang only, and not her employer. If you are experiencing concerning symptoms, please seek care from a medical professional as soon as possible.

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[tiffanyknott]

I had no idea that it wasn't normal to have such painful periods. I was ignored when I mentioned it to doctors, when I started having sex it was so painful! 10 years into my marriage, 20 years into having periods a dr finally listened. Not only did I have severe endometriosis, I had ovarian torsion, my fallopian tubes were completely eaten through, my bowel was damaged, my bladder was involved. I had absolutely massive cysts. I'm 17 days post op from a radical hysterectomy and have never felt better in my life.

[lilamydogscruffy]

I had a hysterectomy due to endometrial cancer. Ovaries included. Went home the same day, The first night I woke up completely drenched in perspiration. I had to change all my bed clothes. I knew it was from my ovaries being removed. After that, no problems with anything. I never felt better and enjoy life to the fullest.

[kjnodwell]

I had a total hysterectomy after being diagnosed with fibroids. I had been to the hospital three times due to very heavy bleeding, one time in particular was very serious.I was really excited about it. My doctor was fantastic and I recovered very quickly. Don't miss my uterus at all.

[strangedivine]

I just had a hysterectomy and removal of fallopian tubes, cervix, and left ovary. I have stage 3 endometriosis. I’m 4 days post-op and recovery is going well so far. I’m still sore and have fatigue but it’s not as bad as I expected. My doctor gave me 7 weeks of recovery.

[LinYouToo]

I just had a hysterectomy and bilateral Oophorectomy including fallopian tubes and cervix removed on Friday, five days ago. I had multiple very large fibroids that were growing, painful, and bleeding. The post surgery pain is much easier to manage than the pain of the fibroids. I am 60 years old and was already three years into menopause which I went through late in life so I don’t know that I will experience much in the way of hormone changes because my ovaries weren’t functioning anyway. Although I am sore, the pain management is tolerable and the pain meds help tremendously. Can’t wait to fully recover.

[lizzystitch]

Having a hysterectomy, for me, has been a huge relief. Never looked back!

[pihmsqf]

Had radical hysterectomy at 72.(tubes, ovaries, everything) Went through menopause all over again. Didnt expect that.

[lolatutu]

Thank you for the info🥰 I just had mine done last Friday and it was a laparoscopic Vaginal partial hysterectomy. I felt a lot better within two day of recovery. They have to remove my uterus because I had a 8 cc polyps cyst inside my uterus and also 11cc fibroid outside my uterus. I already have 3 kids so no need to worry about having another one 😅.. Best decision I ever made it’s scary but thank God I’m doing okey❤

[twinskie]

I just had a total hysterectomy yesterday (ovaries, tubes, uterus and cervix) so your video answered many questions. Thank you. I had 8mm thickened endometrium after no period for over a year so already was post menopausal (never had symptoms of menopause luckily) so do not need hormone replacement after hysterectomy. Pathology after a D&C said I had intercellular neoplasia. Recovery is going well so far. I was concerned about the removal of the cervix and interested in how that was done. Thanks again for your videos.

[lissettepagan]

Just had a vaginal hysterectomy and bladder sling placed. I was suffering from extreme bleeding and unbearable cramping and fibroids even with IUD treatment. I only have one ovary due to a 5lbs cyst that erupted a few years back . I had to get emergency surgery and now have a scar from the top of my belly to my pelvic bone. FINALLY had enough, i have 3 kids all grown now and the side effects of the IUD was really effecting me. I have extreme weight gain and began losing my hair. The cramping was still there and at the end the bleeding began again. Its been 2 weeks since my surgery I'm doing okay a little stir crazy but ok. I am so glad i finally had it done. I do feel a little depression but i think it's just from being home. 😊

[ericarose]

Fantastic video and thorough explanation! Thank you for taking the time to teach us. 💜

[jennydaska]

I recently had a total hysterectomy. With the right pain management, it was no big deal for me. I am so happy and grateful that I got it done.

[savmiller]

I wish there was a better way to get rid of periods that didn’t rely on hormones. I’ve had progesterone IUDs since I was 21 because I had to be hospitalized for severe anemia. IUDs were my only option because I’m on blood thinners (for an autoimmune condition) so hormones (especially estrogen) put me at high risk for clots. The IUD has essentially stopped my periods all together which has been life changing, but the procedure every 5 years is really uncomfortable. Plus I’m always worried with all the anti-abortion rhetoric that someone in my state will decide that IUDs are somehow an abortifacient. 🙄

[nurseshae]

Currently waiting to get my hysterectomy! Just had a biopsy a few days ago to rule out malignancy, due to painful periods huge huge clots and a large fibroid I’m so scared but I’m ready to get it done

[mereiriz]

Most informative video I’ve seen so far. Thank you!

[Lifes.lemonade]

I’m on day 2 after my hysterectomy uk… you answered all the questions I asked my surgeon but never got the answers too. Thank you x

[ashleyhackett]

Any videos about fibroids? Particularly about ones that are large and need to be removed? Surgery information, risks, etc

[lourdescastillo]

Thanks doctor Tang, for this information. Very educational. God bless you🙏

[delilahdoll]

My great aunt had a full hysterectomy, where they literally removed EVERYTHING. Hers was done back in the 60s I think. And yah it caused a whole host of problems that plagued her until she passed in 2019

[marieonishenko]

I’m extremely excited. I just got approved for a total hysterectomy from a gynaecological surgeon because I have had extremely heavy and painful periods for over 9 years. I’m talking bleeding through a overnight pad in 30 minutes. I don’t have endometriosis or PCOS. my gynaecologist tried hormonal birth control with an IUD and unfortunately, it made me mentally unsafe. My tubes are already tied and I still plan on having no kids at 31. I’m so happy that this organ that has caused me nothing but pain and grief is going to be removed. I don’t want this uterus I have to be on iron because it causes me anaemia. I need blood clotting meds and prescription pain meds every single time I have my period and I am over it!