General gynaecology Frequently Asked Questions

No.  The Uterus can be removed (hysterectomy) with conservation of the ovaries which means no more periods but if your ovaries are retained it means that you will not go through the menopause (if you have not already done so!) until you were predetermined to do so.

Generally hot flushes are the number one symptom of menopause and are usually a fair indicator of menopausal status. The average age for menopause in Australia is 51.  Clearly following hysterectomy your periods will cease so this is not a sign you can rely on to signal menopause as it would be without hysterectomy. If there is doubt about whether you are menopausal a simple blood test is all that is required to confirm this after hysterectomy.

Many patients wonder about this! After your uterus is removed (hysterectomy) all the normal organs that surround the uterus simply fill the position previously occupied by the uterus. Mostly it is bowel that fills the space, as there is lots of small and large bowel immediately adjacent to the uterus. Bladder and bowel following hysterectomy generally have more space to function normally particularly if the uterus is bigger then usual which frequently happens with fibroids, adenomyosis and other conditions causing heavy periods.

Another common question from patients! The eggs (which are very small) are simply absorbed by the lining of your abdominal cavity – exactly what happens if your fallopian tubes are clipped.