## Why is it performed? Uterus removal is rare. It may need to happen if the patient suffers from [cancer](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarydisease?id=39), metastases, infection during childbirth, or uterine myomas of enormous size, with dysfunction of adjacent organs. The doctor will never insist on the removal of the uterus unless it is necessary, with all other methods of treatment that have not been tried. ## What changes after the surgery? The only significant change is that the woman can no longer get pregnant and bear a child. All other restrictions are temporary. Today, the operation is mostly done laparoscopically — through small incisions. Because of this, rehabilitation after surgery takes about 2–4 weeks. To recover without complications, the following doctor's recommendations should be strictly followed after the operation: - Wear a special bandage that supports the organs and protects the sutures - Avoid carrying heavyweights and other activities that exert pressure on the stomach - Eat a healthy diet to prevent constipation - Take prescribed medications carefully - Avoid sunbathing ## Hysterectomy and menopause When the uterus is removed, the ovaries ===continue to function normally and produce hormones. Some women even retain premenstrual syndrome, but menstruation does not occur. If the uterus is removed before the age of 35, menopause may begin earlier, because the blood supply to the ovaries is disrupted during the operation. In other cases, the timing of menopause depends on many other factors, including genetic factors. ## Hysterectomy and aging If the ovaries are not affected during surgery, estrogen is produced in the same amount and no unplanned changes occur. When its production decreases, the doctor may prescribe hormone replacement therapy to reduce the manifestations of menopause. Patients do not need to worry about the appearance of any male traits in appearance. Femininity does not depend on the presence or absence of the uterus. If the hormonal background does not change, masculinization does not occur. ## Hysterectomy and libido Sexual desire is most strongly influenced by male sex hormones that are produced in the adrenal glands. After a hysterectomy, the sex drive usually does not change. Moreover, without fear of getting pregnant, some women become more relaxed and feel more satisfied with the sex. You should not be afraid that changes in your body will somehow interfere with your partner. Your partners will not be able to tell that you had the surgery unless you tell them. ## Hysterectomy and sports After surgery, motor activity should be reduced for at least 3 months. Return to a normal routine should be gradual and under medical supervision. It is best to do yoga and pilates during rehabilitation. You will be able to return to your normal activities after about a year.