Hysterectomy is an invasive treatment for fibroids and common for use in the treatment for women with heavily symptomatic fibroids (if you are interested in a non-invasive treatments, please see MRgFUS).

A hysterectomy will remove the entire womb, so fibroids are not going to recur. However, by definition, removing the womb completely eliminates a woman’s ability to have children, so this option should only be considered by women who do not wish to retain their fertility and are not troubled about losing their womb.

Broadly speaking, there are two ways a hysterectomy surgery can be carried out: either abdominally, whereby an incision is made in the stomach; or vaginally, whereby the womb is removed through the vagina. In some cases the ovaries and/or the cervix may be retained. Hysterectomy is a significant surgical procedure requiring some hospital stay and a prolonged recovery time.

By comparison, MRgFUS is a non-invasive surgery that does not require hospital stay. You can go home the same day after the treatment, and rest for a day or two at home.