Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is surgical removal of the uterus. Used to treat fibroids, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, gynecologic cancers, and severe bleeding refractory to other treatments. Ends menstruation and fertility but does not necessarily remove ovaries (oophorectomy is a separate decision).

Black women have higher hysterectomy rates than white women in the US, particularly for fibroid-related indications. Less-invasive alternatives (uterine artery embolization, focused ultrasound, myomectomy, hormonal management) are documented as under-offered to Black patients. Ask explicitly about uterus-sparing alternatives before agreeing to hysterectomy for benign disease.