Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus; sometimes the cervix and/or ovaries and fallopian tubes are also removed. After cesarean section, hysterectomy is the second most frequently performed major surgical procedure for women of reproductive age in the United States. Approximately 600,000 hysterectomies are performed annually in the United States and an estimated 20 million U.S. women have had a hysterectomy. During 2000–2004 the overall hysterectomy rate for United States female civilian residents was 5.4. per 1,000 women. During this time period, the overall rate of hysterectomy decreased slightly. Hysterectomy rates were highest in women aged 40–44 years. The three conditions most often associated with hysterectomy were uterine leiomyoma ("fibroid tumors"), endometriosis, and uterine prolapse.

CDC compiles information on hysterectomies by using data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey. This survey, which collects data on discharges from United States hospitals, provides population-based estimates of U.S. hysterectomy rates. Data from national hysterectomy surveillance can be used to increase understanding of the relative public health importance of the conditions that lead to hysterectomy, identify changes in clinical practice, and assist in setting biomedical research priorities.

Fact sheet: Hysterectomy in the United States, 2000–2004
In the United States, approximately 600,000 hysterectomies are performed each year, and the procedure is the second most frequently performed major surgical procedure among reproductive-aged women.

Hysterectomy Surveillance – United States, 1994—1999 
Hysterectomy trends have remained fairly stable, with the most common discharge diagnosis being uterine fibroids. Although rates vaginal hysterectomy remained stable, laparoscopy assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) more than doubled. Source: MMWR 2002;51(SS05):1–8.

Fact sheet: Hysterectomy in the United States, 1980–1993

Related Resources

Hysterectomy Fact Sheet (National Women’s Health Information Center)
Also available in Spanish

The Ethnicity, Needs, and Decisions of Women (ENDOW)*
This study was designed to examine the factors that influence women's choices and decision making regarding hysterectomy, oophorectomy, and use of hormone replacement therapy, with a focus on the potential influences of cultural identity and ethnicity ...more

Alternatives to Hysterectomy: New Technologies, More Options (Food and Drug Administration)
Consumer Magazine. November—December 2001.

New York State Department of Health*
The benefits, risks and alternatives to hysterectomy to help make an informed decision.

American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology*

National Library of Medicine
Conduct a search for more information about hysterectomy and other health topics.

Search PubMed for articles on Hysterectomy
This search is being conducted on PubMed an NLM/NIH service.

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Page last reviewed: 3/25/2011
Page last modified: 1/05/08
Content source: Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion