OB-GYN Jeremiah McNamara dispels 5 top hysterectomy myths

Hysterectomies — surgeries involving the removal of the uterus — are the second most common procedure performed on women globally, and 1 in 3 women in the U.S. will have a hysterectomy by age 60. Despite its prevalence, persistent misconceptions and myths can lead to fear and anxiety that may prevent women from making informed decisions about their health.

During a free health lecture, board-certified gynecologist Jeremiah McNamara, MD, of Boulder Women’s Care tackled common concerns, dispelled myths and highlighted modern surgical advancements for hysterectomy, including robotic-assisted surgery.

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Watch: “Hysterectomy myths you should stop believing"

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Hysterectomy surgery

Some of the most common reasons for a hysterectomy include uterine fibroids, abnormal bleeding, chronic pelvic pain associated with endometriosis, pelvic organ prolapse and cancer or precancer.

Dr. McNamara acknowledged the complex nature of deciding to undergo a hysterectomy, both from a medical and emotional standpoint. He emphasized, “While the procedure can bring about a sense of loss, many patients experience significant improvements in their quality of life afterward.”

He added, “Being informed can help you feel more comfortable about the procedure — and that includes knowing what hysterectomy myths to stop believing.”

Myth 1: A hysterectomy involves a large incision

Patients often ask whether a hysterectomy will involve a large incision, known as the open abdominal or C-section incision. Dr. McNamara clarified that this is usually not the case. There are other ways to perform a hysterectomy, including:

• Vaginally - This type of procedure is being used less often, as surgeons are now being trained on laparoscopic and robotic procedures.
• Laparoscopic - A minimally invasive, small incision procedure, laparoscopic surgery lets surgeons look inside the belly with a camera and perform many common gynecologic procedures.
• Robotic-assisted – “This advanced tool allows surgeons to perform laparoscopic surgery more efficiently and results in a safer hysterectomy procedure,” Dr. McNamara claimed. Using the da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery system,the procedure is performed through multiple small incisions in the belly.

Myth 2. My cervix will be removed

Dr. McNamara explained that "the cervix is often removed during a traditional hysterectomy, but it doesn’t have to be – and, actually, there is a type of hysterectomy where the cervix is left in place." Since less tissue is cut, the surgery can be shorter, require less general anesthesia time and lead to a quicker recovery. "But it does have some drawbacks for some patients, so it’s good to discuss this with a gynecologic surgeon," he added.

Myth 3. A hysterectomy decreases libido and orgasm

Dr. McNamara stated that the impact of hysterectomy on sexual function has been analyzed extensively. "Overall these analyses are very reassuring. They show sexual function, including libido and orgasm, are not negatively affected – whether the cervix is removed or not. When a hysterectomy addresses chronic bleeding and pain, sexual health can and often does improve after this surgery," he said.

Myth 4. Hysterectomies cause menopause

Dr. McNamara clarified, “Ovaries are not routinely removed during a hysterectomy, unless there is a specific medical indication.” There is an ongoing debate regarding the effect of hysterectomy (with ovaries left in place) on ovarian and hormonal function. “There does seem to be some evidence that hysterectomy affects the ovaries and may change hormone production and the timing of menopause in small but maybe significant ways for some patients,” he added.

Myth 5. Hysterectomy recovery is long and requires pain medications

In terms of recovery, Dr. McNamara explained, “Hysterectomy recovery is typically quick and typically performed on an outpatient basis, with insurance covering one overnight stay if necessary."

Regarding pain management, Dr. McNamara highlighted advancements in surgical pain-management protocols such as enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). ERAS is a patient-centered, evidence-based approach to surgery that consists of multiple preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative interventions, which provide an adequate level of patient comfort while reducing the need for opioid pain medications post-surgery.

Schedule an Appointment

Call 303-441-0587 to schedule an appointment with Jeremiah McNamara, MD, at Boulder Women's Care, whose providers offer a full range of gynecologic and obstetric services for women — from adolescence to menopause and beyond.

Click here to view/download a PDF of slides shown during the lecture.

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