In Brief: Hysterectomy doesn't harm - and may help - sexual function
In Brief
Every year, an estimated 600,000 women in the United States have hysterectomies, mostly for noncancerous conditions such as heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), fibroids, and endometriosis. Hysterectomy removes either the entire uterus or the uterus above the cervix. The ovaries may also be removed (oophorectomy), as a hedge against ovarian cancer. Any type of hysterectomy means the end of menstrual periods and childbearing, and removal of the ovaries results in menopause and the loss of ovarian estrogens and androgens. The surgery can be performed abdominally, vaginally, or laparoscopically.
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