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Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, which causes the termination of menstruation and the inability to bear children.
A hysterectomy may be either total or partial. Total hysterectomy entails removal of the entire uterus, including the cervix. Partial hysterectomy, which is rarely done today, involves removal of only the body of the uterus but not the cervix. Oophorectomy (removal of one or both ovaries) and salpingectomy (removal of one or both fallopian tubes) may be performed at the same time as a hysterectomy.
Removal of the uterus can be done through an abdominal incision or through the vagina. In the latter procedure, the top of the vagina is stitched together after the uterus has been removed; this technique requires no external incision and, therefore, leaves no external scar.
Hysterectomies are most commonly performed when the uterus is diseased. Symptomatic fibroid tumors, uterine prolapse (falling of the uterus out of its normal position), and cancer of the uterus are common reasons for a hysterectomy.
Contrary to common belief, a hysterectomy, in and of itself, does not interfere with, or diminish the pleasure of, sexual intercourse. Nor does a hysterectomy cause a woman to gain weight.
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.
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