The majority of hysterectomies are performed when a woman is aged between 40 - 50 , however many do occur before and after this age group. Women who have a hysterectomy that removes their ovaries, as well as other organs, will go through the menopause immediately (if they haven't already) following the operation regardless of their age. Women who have a hysterectomy that leaves one or both of their ovaries intact have a 50% chance of going through the menopause within five years of their operation, gain regardless of their age.

The type of hysterectomy that you have will depend upon the condition it is being used to treat.

A "subtotal hysterectomy" removes the uterus leaving the cervix in place. If you have this operation you will need to continue to have smear tests.

A "total hysterectomy" removes the complete uterus including the cervix, this is the operation most commonly performed.

A "total hysterectomy with bilateral or unilateral salpingo-oopherectomy" removes the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and both or one of the ovaries.

A "wertheims hysterectomy" removes the uterus, cervix, part of the vagina, fallopian tubes, peritoneum (this is the broad band of ligament below the uterus), the lymph glands and fatty tissue of the pelvis and possibly one or both ovaries.

In addition to the different types of hysterectomy, there are different ways by which a gynaecologist might perform the operation. This will be influenced by the reason for performing the hysterectomy in the first place, the size of the uterus and the experience and preference of the individual gynaecologist.

Abdominal hysterectomy is the most common method and is performed through an approximately six inch scar made across the lower abdomen.

A vaginal hysterectomy is performed through the vagina and will leave no visible external signs that the woman has had an operation.

In a laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) the gynaecologist uses keyhole surgery in combination with surgery through the vagina in order to complete the operation

The operation is performed under general anaesthetic in the vast majority of cases, however in a very small number of cases it may be done with an injection into the spine that numbs the area around the spinal column and anything below it.

Immediately following the operation you will probably find that there is a catheter in place to help urinary fluids drain away. This will be left in until you are able to use the toilet yourself.

This type of movement may also help you to get rid of the painful wind that is a side effect of this type of surgery. You may be advised to do some light exercises in the hospital when the stitches have been removed. A physiotherapist will probably show you these, together with the easiest ways to get around and out of bed. Continue to do the exercises when you get home and also try to start walking a little each day, increasing the distance by degrees. However, you should not do more than you feel comfortable with, everyone recovers as different rates, so don't worry if it is taking you a little longer.

Strong painkillers are prescribed for the first few days following surgery. A woman is encouraged to be mobile within 24 hours of surgery and can expect to be eating and drinking during this time also. Most women stay in hospital for between three and five days following a routine hysterectomy.

It is advisable to plan four to six weeks of convalescence following a hysterectomy although the recovery time will vary from one woman to the next. The recovery time is often shorter if a vaginal hysterectomy or LAVH has been performed compared to an abdominal hysterectomy. The recovery time is longest following a radical hysterectomy.

The emotional response after a hysterectomy will vary widely from one woman to the next, often depending on the reason for the operation. Occasionally, there will be a feeling of relief that the monthly pain and inconvenience of periods is a thing of the past with the sensation that she can now get on with her life in a more positive manner.

Women who have been diagnosed with cancer are frequently and very understandably anxious that the surgery will have been successful and may be concerned about the necessity of other forms of treatment aimed at preventing a recurrence.

For some women there is a sensation of loss because the place where their children developed and were born from is now gone forever. Whatever the emotional response, it is advisable that the woman talks it over with someone in whom she can confide, whether it is a relative, her gynaecologist, nurse or a friend