Dear dancinshoos,

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. It is used to correct significant medical conditions, including uterine cancer. If a woman has a hysterectomy, she will no longer get her period or be able to become pregnant. Complications after hysterectomy occur in 10 to 20 percent of cases.

Sometimes one or both ovaries and one or both fallopian tubes are also removed during hysterectomy. If both ovaries are removed it is called a radical hysterectomy. The loss of the hormones made by the ovaries causes early menopause and its symptoms to happen.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.