Will I go into menopause?

Not if the ovaries stay. Periods stop, but the ovaries keep making hormones. For some women that ends a year or two earlier than it would have.

Can I keep my ovaries?

Usually yes. Before menopause, keeping them is the default unless there is a reason to take them out.

Sore for about a week, worst on days two and three. Most people are off prescription pain medication within a few days.

Wait six weeks for the top of the vagina to heal. After that most people notice no difference.

Usually. Leaving it means a shorter operation, but light bleeding can continue. Dr. Mueller decides that with you beforehand.

Surgery

Surgery to remove the uterus. Most are done through the vagina or with small cuts.

Also called uterus removal.

A hysterectomy removes the uterus. Periods stop and pregnancy is no longer possible.

The ovaries are separate. They come out only if there is a reason, and you decide that beforehand.

Most are done through the vagina or through small cuts in the belly. A larger cut is used when the uterus is too big to come out another way.

1
The consult
Dr. Mueller goes over your imaging, your biopsy results and the options.
2
Pre-op workup
Bloodwork, and clearance from another doctor if you have other conditions.
3
Day of surgery
You arrive at the hospital, meet the anesthesiologist and go to sleep.
4
The operation
The uterus is detached and taken out. If the cervix goes too, the top of the vagina is closed.
5
Recovery room
You wake up within about an hour, and most patients go home that day.
6
Follow-up visits
Seen at two weeks, then again at six before lifting is cleared.

Will I go into menopause?: Not if the ovaries stay. Periods stop, but the ovaries keep making hormones. For some women that ends a year or two earlier than it would have.
Can I keep my ovaries?: Usually yes. Before menopause, keeping them is the default unless there is a reason to take them out.
How bad is the pain afterward?: Sore for about a week, worst on days two and three. Most people are off prescription pain medication within a few days.
Does sex change afterward?: Wait six weeks for the top of the vagina to heal. After that most people notice no difference.
Does the cervix come out too?: Usually. Leaving it means a shorter operation, but light bleeding can continue. Dr. Mueller decides that with you beforehand.