Hysterectomy
- Thoughtful care for a big decision.
Deciding whether to have a hysterectomy is a big decision, and it’s natural to feel relief, uncertainty, or both. You deserve clear answers about why it’s being recommended, what your other options are, and what recovery will look like.
At Women’s Health Group in Chicago, Dr. Awad takes time to understand your symptoms and goals. As a robotic gynecologic surgeon, he favors minimally invasive approaches when they are right for you, and he always explores whether surgery is truly the best answer.
- 30+ years caring for women
- Minimally invasive and robotic surgery
- Board-certified OB-GYN care
- Alternatives explored first
Our Services
What is a Hysterectomy?
Medically reviewed by Michael M. Awad, DO, OB-GYN
A hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus. Depending on the reason for surgery, the cervix, fallopian tubes, or ovaries may also be removed. After a hysterectomy, you will no longer have periods or be able to become pregnant.
It is one of the most common gynecologic surgeries. It may be recommended for fibroids, endometriosis, heavy bleeding, uterine prolapse, chronic pelvic pain, or certain cancers, often after other treatments haven’t brought enough relief.
Surgery is not always the first answer.
For many conditions, medication or less invasive procedures are worth considering first. We talk through every option before recommending surgery.
Recovery Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
If you’ve recently had a hysterectomy, call us right away if you notice:
- A fever of 100.4°F or higher, or chills
- Heavy vaginal bleeding that soaks a pad in an hour
- An incision that is red, swollen, warm, or draining
- Severe or worsening belly pain that medication doesn’t ease
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Pain, swelling, or redness in one leg
- Trouble urinating or burning when you urinate
Call 911 right away for chest pain or trouble breathing.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and reach out at (773) 992-1555. For emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
- Comfort at Every Step
Strategies for Comprehensive Care
Exploring Alternatives First
Before surgery, we review options such as medication, a hormonal IUD, endometrial ablation, or fibroid treatments that may relieve your symptoms.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
When surgery is right, laparoscopic, robotic, or vaginal approaches can mean smaller incisions and, for many women, a faster recovery.
Planning Around Your Ovaries
Whether your ovaries are kept or removed affects your hormones. We explain what this means for you and discuss hormone therapy if needed.
Support Through Recovery
We prepare you for surgery, check on your healing afterward, and support your physical and emotional recovery every step of the way.
Life After Hysterectomy
Many women feel real relief from symptoms like heavy bleeding or pelvic pain after a hysterectomy, and many find their sexual experience stays the same or even improves.
If your ovaries are removed before menopause, you may have menopause symptoms, and hormone replacement therapy may be an option. We talk openly about physical and emotional changes so you know what to expect.
- Care That Fits Your Life
The Personal Nature of Hysterectomy
Your Reasons Are Your Own
Some women choose a hysterectomy for lasting relief, others after years of trying other treatments. Your goals guide every recommendation.
Emotions Are Part of Healing
Feelings about a hysterectomy can be complex, even when you're sure it's right. We make room for those conversations, too.
Your Hysterectomy Journey:
Consultation
We review your symptoms, history, imaging, and goals, and talk through every option, including alternatives to surgery.
Surgery
If you choose surgery, we explain the approach that fits your situation, what to expect on surgery day, and how to prepare.
Recovery
Recovery time depends on the type of surgery. We check on your healing and guide you back to daily activities, work, and intimacy.
The type of hysterectomy and the surgical approach depend on your condition, your anatomy, and your goals. Here is an overview of the main options.*
*Not every approach is right for every woman. Talk with Dr. Awad about which option fits your situation.
Total or partial hysterectomy
A total hysterectomy removes the uterus and cervix. A partial, or supracervical, hysterectomy removes the uterus and leaves the cervix in place.
Laparoscopic and robotic surgery
Minimally invasive surgery uses a few small incisions and special instruments, often with less pain and a quicker recovery.
Vaginal hysterectomy
The uterus is removed through the vagina, with no incision on the abdomen. It may be an option depending on your anatomy and condition.
Abdominal hysterectomy
Done through an incision in the abdomen. It may be recommended for a very large uterus or in some more complex situations.
Common Hysterectomy Questions We Hear Most
Will I go into menopause after a hysterectomy?
Only if your ovaries are removed. If your ovaries stay, you won’t have periods, but your hormones continue until natural menopause.
How long is recovery?
It depends on the type of surgery. Recovery after minimally invasive surgery is often a few weeks, while abdominal surgery usually takes longer.*
*Dr. Awad will give you a recovery plan based on your surgery.
Will I still need Pap smears?
If your cervix remains, yes. If it was removed and your surgery wasn’t for cancer or precancer, you may not need them. Dr. Awad will let you know.
Are there alternatives to hysterectomy?
Often, yes. Depending on the cause, medication, a hormonal IUD, endometrial ablation, or fibroid treatments may help. We review every option with you.
Michael M. Awad, DO, OB-GYN
Dr. Mike Awad is a second-generation OB-GYN whose areas of focus include uterine fibroids, abnormal bleeding, endometriosis, and pelvic pain. As a skilled robotic gynecologic surgeon, he favors minimally invasive treatment while recognizing that surgery is not always the first or best answer. His philosophy is simple: meet every patient where she is, listen carefully, and make sure she feels understood and confident in her care.
Your comfort, privacy, and dignity come first
Surgery can feel overwhelming, and it’s natural to have questions and worries. You deserve care that is patient, honest, and respectful. Here is our promise to you.
Your comfort is our priority
We take time with every question before surgery, and we never rush your decision.
We explain first, then proceed together
Before every step, we walk you through what to expect and why, in plain language and at your pace. You can ask us to pause at any time.
Your choice is respected
Whether you choose surgery, an alternative, or more time to decide, the decision is always yours.
Your information stays private
Your conversations and records are protected, and follow-up messages go through our secure patient portal.
Make Your Decision With Confidence
Hysterectomy care for women across Chicago’s Southwest Side, including Garfield Ridge, Clearing, Burbank, Oak Lawn, Bridgeview, and Summit. New patients are welcome. Most major insurance accepted.
