I don't know what type of hysterectomy I had — and I'm not sure it matters (but it does)

If you've found yourself staring at your discharge papers or Googling medical terms at midnight, trying to piece together exactly what happened during your surgery — you are not alone. A surprising number of women leave hospital with very little clarity about what was actually removed, how it was done, or what that means for their body going forward. This blog is for you. No jargon. No assumptions. Just answers.

15 FAQs: Understanding your hysterectomy type

Q: What is actually removed in a hysterectomy — is it always the same?

A: No, and this is one of the biggest sources of confusion. A hysterectomy refers to the surgical removal of the uterus — but the word is used as an umbrella term that can include different combinations of organs. Depending on your diagnosis and surgical plan, your surgeon may have also removed your cervix, one or both ovaries, and the fallopian tubes. The specific combination determines what 'type' of hysterectomy you had, and that matters enormously for your recovery and long-term health.

Q: What is a total hysterectomy — does 'total' mean everything was removed?

A: Confusingly, no. A total hysterectomy means the uterus and cervix were removed — but not necessarily the ovaries or fallopian tubes. The word 'total' refers to the entirety of the uterus including the cervix, not to all reproductive organs. This trips a lot of women up. If your ovaries were also removed, that would be separately noted — usually as a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, or BSO.

Q: What is a partial or subtotal hysterectomy?

A: A partial (or subtotal) hysterectomy means only the upper portion of the uterus was removed — the cervix was left intact. This approach is less common now but is still performed in certain cases. If you had this type, you still have your cervix, which means you still need regular cervical screening. This is something many women aren't told clearly, and it matters for your ongoing health checks.

Q: What does it mean if I had a radical hysterectomy?

A: A radical hysterectomy is typically performed when cancer is involved. It removes the uterus, cervix, the upper portion of the vagina, and the surrounding tissue (called the parametrium). It is a more extensive surgery than a standard total hysterectomy, which is why recovery tends to be more complex and longer. If you had this type, your surgical team should be providing specialised follow-up — and if that support feels lacking, it's worth advocating for more.

Q: My notes say 'oophorectomy' — what does that mean?

A: An oophorectomy is the removal of one or both ovaries. A unilateral oophorectomy means one ovary was removed; a bilateral oophorectomy means both were. This is critically important because your ovaries produce oestrogen and progesterone. If both ovaries were removed before you reached natural menopause, you will have entered surgical menopause immediately after surgery — which is a very different hormonal experience to gradual, natural menopause.

Q: What is a salpingectomy and would I know if I'd had one?

A: A salpingectomy is the removal of the fallopian tubes. Many surgeons now routinely remove the fallopian tubes during hysterectomy as a cancer-prevention measure — but this isn't always clearly communicated to patients. You may have had your tubes removed without being explicitly told. Check your surgical notes, or ask your GP to confirm what your operative report says.

Q: How was my hysterectomy performed — does the approach affect recovery?

A: Yes, significantly. There are three main surgical approaches: abdominal (open surgery through a horizontal incision), laparoscopic (keyhole surgery using small incisions and a camera), and vaginal (removal through the vagina with no external incisions). Robotic-assisted surgery is a type of laparoscopic approach. Open abdominal surgery generally has a longer recovery time and a more visible scar. Laparoscopic and vaginal approaches tend to have faster recovery, less blood loss, and shorter hospital stays — though every body is different.

Q: I had keyhole surgery — does that mean my recovery should be faster?

A: Generally, yes — but 'faster' is relative and doesn't mean 'easy.' Laparoscopic hysterectomy typically means less external trauma, a shorter hospital stay, and quicker return to light activity. However, your internal healing — the ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, pelvic floor, and abdominal core — takes the same amount of time to heal regardless of the surgical approach. Many women feel pressure to bounce back quickly after keyhole surgery, and that pressure is not based in reality.

Q: If I still have my cervix, do I still need smear tests?

A: Yes, absolutely. If you had a partial or subtotal hysterectomy and your cervix was left in place, cervical screening remains important. This is one of the most under-communicated facts after this type of surgery. Speak to your GP if you're unsure whether you still have your cervix — it will be clearly documented in your operative notes.

Q: I had my ovaries removed. Does that mean I'm in menopause now?

A: If both ovaries were removed and you hadn't yet reached natural menopause, then yes — you entered surgical menopause immediately after your operation. Unlike natural menopause, which unfolds gradually over months or years, surgical menopause is abrupt. Oestrogen levels drop sharply and almost overnight. This can produce intense and sometimes overwhelming symptoms: hot flushes, sleep disruption, mood changes, brain fog, vaginal dryness, joint pain, and more. This is not a minor footnote in your recovery — it is a major physiological event that deserves proper medical support and attention.

Q: What if I only had one ovary removed — am I in menopause?

A: Not necessarily. If one ovary remains and is functioning, it continues to produce hormones and you may continue to cycle normally — or your remaining ovary may pick up more of the hormonal workload. However, some women experience hormonal shifts or changes in cycle regularity even with one ovary intact. It's worth monitoring how you feel and raising any concerns with your GP. Research also suggests that women with one ovary may reach natural menopause slightly earlier than average.

Q: How do I find out exactly what type of hysterectomy I had?

A: Your operative report (also called a surgical report or operative notes) is the definitive document. It will detail exactly what was removed, how the surgery was performed, and any findings or complications. You are entitled to a copy of this — you can request it from your hospital's medical records department or ask your GP to pull it up. Don't be shy about asking. This is your body and your medical history, and you deserve to understand it clearly.

Q: Does the reason I had the surgery affect what type I had?

A: Often, yes. The underlying reason for your hysterectomy typically shapes what was removed and how. Fibroids or heavy bleeding might result in a total or subtotal hysterectomy with ovaries retained. Endometriosis may require removal of additional tissue or one ovary. Cancer — particularly cervical, uterine, or ovarian — typically results in a more extensive surgery. Understanding your diagnosis helps you understand your surgical outcome and what your recovery journey may involve.

Q: Will not knowing the type of hysterectomy I had affect my ongoing care?

A: It can, yes. Knowing whether you still have your cervix affects your screening needs. Knowing whether your ovaries were removed determines whether you're in surgical menopause and whether HRT might be relevant for you. Knowing your surgical approach can help explain some of your physical recovery symptoms. This information isn't just clinical trivia — it shapes decisions you and your healthcare team make now and in the years ahead.

Q: I feel like I wasn't told enough before or after my surgery. Is that normal?

A: Sadly, yes — it's very common. Many women report feeling rushed through consultations, handed leaflets that didn't answer their real questions, or discharged without a full understanding of what had been done or what to expect. If this resonates with you, you are not failing to understand something simple. The system often fails to communicate complex, life-altering information well enough. It is never too late to ask for clarity — from your GP, your surgical team, or a specialist in post-hysterectomy recovery.

Ready to feel supported in your recovery?

Recovery after a hysterectomy is more layered than most people are told — and understanding your specific surgery is only the first step. In the Complete Comeback Program, our team works with you to make sense of your unique surgical picture, address what you're experiencing in your body, and build a recovery that actually fits your life. You don't have to figure this out alone.

→ Learn more about the Complete Comeback Program