Hysterectomy Myths Debunked: A Conversation with Dr. Deepa Verma

Deciding to undergo a Hysterectomy (uterus removal) is a major life decision, often clouded by fear and old wives’ tales. To clear the air and provide factual information, our expert surgeon, Dr. Deepa Verma, addresses the most common myths she hears from patients.

Patient: Rina (40s, suffering from severe fibroids) Doctor: Dr. Deepa Verma (Expert Gynaecological Surgeon)

Myth 1: Weight Gain & Facial Hair (Hirsutism)

Rina: "Dr. Verma, my neighbor told me that after removing the uterus, I will gain a lot of weight and even get facial hair. Is this true?"

Dr. Deepa Verma: "That’s a very common fear, Rina, but it’s a myth with a crucial difference. Hysterectomy itself does not cause weight gain or facial hair. These symptoms are related to hormonal imbalance, specifically when the ovaries (which produce hormones) are also removed. If we only remove the uterus and keep your ovaries, your hormonal balance should remain largely the same, and you won't experience surgical menopause. Weight gain often happens due to reduced physical activity during recovery, not the surgery itself. We focus on a procedure that minimizes hormonal changes wherever possible."

Myth 2: Early Aging & End of Sexual Life

Rina: "The biggest worry is that the operation will cause early aging and completely destroy my sexual life. Is my youth ending with this surgery?"

Dr. Deepa Verma: "Absolutely not. This is a huge misconception. Hysterectomy is performed to improve your quality of life, not end it.

• Early Aging: This only happens if both ovaries are removed before natural menopause, leading to a sudden drop in estrogen. If we preserve your ovaries, this won't happen. If ovaries must be removed, we manage it effectively with hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

• Sexual Life: For many women, sexual life improves after hysterectomy because the surgery resolves the heavy bleeding and chronic pain that was making intimacy difficult or impossible. Studies confirm that patient satisfaction with sexual life generally increases after a successful operation."

Myth 3: Hysterectomy is the Only Solution

Rina: "My condition is very bad. Does the uterus always have to be removed, or are there other treatments available?"

Dr. Deepa Verma: "That depends entirely on your diagnosis. Hysterectomy is rarely the first option. We only recommend it when less invasive treatments have failed or if the condition is life-threatening (like cancer or massive, uncontrolled bleeding). For common issues like fibroids or heavy periods, we first explore alternatives:

1. Medication/Hormone Therapy

2. Myomectomy (removing only the fibroids, preserving the uterus)

3. Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) If these fail, or if the disease is extensive, then a hysterectomy becomes the necessary and definitive solution."

Myth 4: It’s a Massive Surgery with Months of Recovery

Rina: "I heard it's a huge operation that leaves a big scar and takes months to recover from."

Dr. Deepa Verma: "That information is outdated. Modern surgery has revolutionized hysterectomy.

• Minimally Invasive: We now primarily perform Laparoscopic or Robotic Hysterectomy. Instead of a large abdominal cut, we use tiny incisions (often less than half an inch).

• Scars: The scars are minimal and discreet.

• Recovery: Patients often go home within 1–3 days and can resume light activities within 2 weeks. Full recovery is usually within 4–6 weeks—not months."

Myth 5: The Uterus is a 'Useless Organ' After Childbearing

Rina: "Since I have finished having children, is it better to just get the uterus removed to prevent future problems?"

Dr. Deepa Verma: "Absolutely not. The uterus is not a 'useless organ.' It supports the bladder and bowel, plays a role in pelvic strength, and is central to a woman's identity. We never remove a healthy uterus purely for prevention. We only recommend hysterectomy when the uterus itself is the source of severe, untreatable illness that threatens your health or quality of life."

The Verdict: Choose Your Hospital Carefully

Dr. Deepa Verma's Final Advice: "Rina, the best way to avoid all these myths becoming your reality is to choose an excellent hospital and an experienced surgeon. Modern, high-tech hospitals use minimally invasive techniques that reduce pain, scars, recovery time, and complications. Your health is too important to trust to outdated information or inexperienced care."