While most women don’t have health problems during or after the surgery, risks may include:

A hysterectomy is considered to be a fairly safe procedure. As with all major surgeries, however, there are associated risks. Some people may have an adverse reaction to the anesthetic. There is also the risk of heavy bleeding and infection around the incision site.

Although the death rate from a hysterectomy is low (less than 1 percent) surgical complications are very real and can result in any of the following: infection, hemorrhage during or following surgery and/or damage to internal organs such as the urinary tract or bowel.

• Injury to nearby organs.
• Anesthesia problems, such as breathing or heart problems.
• Blood clots in the legs or lungs.
• Infection.
• Heavy bleeding.
• Early menopause, if the ovaries are removed.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.

Having a hysterectomy doesn’t mean you can’t have an orgasm. You still have your clitoris and labia, which are highly sensitive. It’s not known what role the cervix plays in orgasm. Some experts have argued that removing the cervix can have an adverse effect, but others have found that it doesn’t.

Because your uterus is removed, you no longer have periods and cannot get pregnant. But your ovaries might still make hormones, so you might not have other signs of menopause. You may have hot flashes, a symptom of menopause, because the surgery may have blocked blood flow to the ovaries.

Technically, any woman of legal age can consent to the procedure, but it should be medically justified. It’s incredibly unlikely that a doctor will perform a hysterectomy on women ages 18-35 unless it is absolutely necessary for their well-being and no other options will suffice.

Yes, a uterus can be donated from either a living or deceased donor. A living uterus donor gives her uterus for the purpose of transplantation to a female recipient. Potential living donors are women between 30 and 50 years of age who have completed their child bearing and are in generally good health.

Most experts believe that about 9-10 centimeters (about 4 inches) diameter is the largest size fibroid that should be removed laparoscopically.

Uterine fibroids are growths in your uterus. Because they’re typically not cancerous, you can decide whether or not you want to have them removed. You may not need surgery if your fibroids don’t bother you.

Hysterectomies also help to reduce chronic pain and heavy bleeding caused by fibroids, endometriosis, and other conditions. When these symptoms resolve after surgery, you might find that you have a lot more energy for physical activity, potentially leading to weight loss.