Understanding The Types of Hysterectomies

1. Total Hysterectomy
What is removed: The entire uterus, including the cervix.
Common reasons: Uterine fibroids, cancer, endometriosis, or chronic pelvic pain.

2. Subtotal/Partial/Supracervical Hysterectomy
What is removed: Only the upper part of the uterus, leaving the cervix intact.
Common reasons: This type may be chosen when the cervix is healthy, and some people prefer to leave it in place for personal or sexual health reasons.

3. Radical Hysterectomy
What is removed: The uterus, cervix, part of the vagina, surrounding tissue, and possibly lymph nodes.
Common reasons: Often performed for invasive cancers, like cervical or uterine cancer, where the surrounding tissues may also be at risk.