Hysterectomy: Emotional Reactions

Topic Overview

Emotional reactions to hysterectomy may include:

• Anxiety. Some anxiety about having the surgery is to be expected. Most women with symptoms of anxiety or depression before the surgery report improvement after the surgery.
• Grief. Many women grieve over the removal of the uterus. Losing their uterus means that they can't get pregnant.
• Fear. Some women fear that they may no longer have satisfying sex after the surgery.
• Physical changes. Many women are concerned about premature aging after the surgery (if their ovaries are also removed). They may worry about symptoms such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and the increased risk of osteoporosis that go along with menopause after ovary removal. Be sure to talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of estrogen therapy after surgery.

Talk with your doctor about your feelings about having the surgery.