More than 500,000 women have a hysterectomy in the United States. The procedure is performed for a variety of diseases, and particularly for cancer of the uterus or ovary.

Anatomy and Physiology

The uterus or womb is a pear shaped organ that is found in the female pelvis at the top of the vagina. It varies in size and shape depending on the hormonal and childbearing status of the woman. It has a cavity, which is essentially closed when the woman is not pregnant. The inside lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, separates from the uterine wall each month. The vaginal bleeding that occurs is called the menses or period. The menses do not occur during pregnancy and normally continues until the menopause. (Figures 1,2, and 3).

Figure 1 - Anatomy of the uterus and surrounding organs as seen in a section through the middle of the body. © C. Scalici	Figure 2 - Uterus as seen from in front. © C. Scalici