A hysterectomy is an operation to remove a woman's uterus. The uterus is the place where a baby grows when a woman is pregnant. Sometimes, the ovaries and fallopian tubes also are taken out. Hysterectomies are very common - one in three women in the United States has had one by age 60.

• Endometriosis not cured by medicine or surgery
• Uterine prolapse - when the uterus drops into the vagina
• Cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries
• Vaginal bleeding that persists despite treatment
• Chronic pelvic pain; surgery can be a last resort

Before having a hysterectomy, it is important to discuss other possible treatments with your health care provider. A hysterectomy will stop your periods, and you will no longer be able to get pregnant. If the surgery removes both ovaries, you will enter menopause.

National Women's Health Information Center