Hysterectomy: Life-Changing, Sometimes Life-Saving

3/26/2026

What to know about the most common gynecologic surgery

Deeply personal, a hysterectomy, or surgery to remove a woman’s uterus, is the most common gynecologic surgery in the U.S. Approximately 1/4 of all women will have one by age 60.

Removal of the uterus ends a woman’s ability to carry a pregnancy but can also bring much-needed relief from bleeding, pain and discomfort of women’s health conditions. The most common reason for the surgery is treatment of uterine fibroids, but it is also used to address endometriosis, pelvic support problems such as uterine prolapse, abnormal uterine bleeding and chronic pelvic pain. A hysterectomy can also be life-saving when addressing gynecological cancer or placenta accreta in childbirth.

Dr. Nelson Pou, OB-GYN at Carlsbad Medical Center, says there has been a decrease in the number of hysterectomies in recent years due to alternative treatment, such as IUDs, ablation, myomectomy and uterus artery embolization. While hysterectomy remains one of the most common gynecological surgeries, methods to perform the surgery have advanced significantly. For many years, the only option was removing the uterus through an abdominal incision, requiring a multi-day hospital stay followed by extended bed rest once home. The large incision gives the surgeon a clear view of the pelvic organs and is still used today when a patient has adhesions from previous surgery or if their uterus is very large. However, now surgeons can perform a vaginal hysterectomy where the uterus is removed through the vagina with no abdominal incision. The method has fewer complications and healing time can be shorter.

When the procedure is performed laparoscopically, a few smaller incisions are made in the abdomen. A laparoscope is used to view the organs, and the uterus can be removed in small pieces through the incisions or through the vagina. Robotic-assisted technology can also be used for enhanced precision.

“A hysterectomy remains major surgery, and the way the surgery is performed will depend on a patient’s anatomy, condition being treated and overall health,” said Dr. Pou. “When we are able to use minimally invasive methods, a patient will have only minor scarring and a much shorter recovery time.”

Before the surgery, Dr. Pou says decisions will need to be made on whether the cervix, fallopian tubes or ovaries will also need to be removed. The surgeon considers a patient’s current health, medical history and goals when discussing the need for a hysterectomy.

A hysterectomy does not eliminate the need for annual well-woman visits to the OB-GYN. Post-surgery, if the ovaries were not removed, the patient may continue to have some monthly bleeding along with PMS symptoms such as cramps and bloating. If the ovaries were removed, menopause will start right away. Regular visits to an OB-GYN will remain important to prevent and get help with other gynecologic health concerns.

Make the appointment for your annual well-woman check-up – visit www.PecosValleyDocs.com/ob-gyn or call (575) 885-0995.

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