Abnormal cervical cells: treatments: Hysterectomy
In women who are past childbearing age or who have completed their families, an operation to remove the womb (hysterectomy) is occasionally carried out for persistent or severe abnormal cervical cells (CIN). Women who have not yet had the menopause will have the opportunity to discuss with their consultant whether to have their ovaries removed.
We interviewed two women who had a hysterectomy because they had persistent abnormal cervical cells.
These women had previously had a variety of treatments to remove their abnormal cervical cells. After these treatments they experienced recurrences of abnormal cells and they were advised by their consultant to have a hysterectomy.
A hysterectomy can be an emotional experience for some women, both before and after the operation. Being provided with sufficient information about the procedure and what to expect, would help to take away some of the anxiety some women experienced.
Another woman said that she recovered well and she did not find it an upsetting experience because she had already had all the children she wanted and she was beginning the menopause.
Last reviewed January 2011.
