Hysterectomy is a descriptive term that covers a range of surgical procedures and options. At its most basic, a hysterectomy is surgery to remove a woman’s uterus. (The uterus is where a baby grows.) TYPES “There are 3 basic types of hysterectomy,” .“In a partial (or subtotal) hysterectomy, the upper part of the uterus is removed. In a total hysterectomy, the total uterus and the cervix are removed. A radical hysterectomy is an uncommon procedure performed when cervical cancer is detected in an early stage. Removal of the tubes and ovaries are not included in the term hysterectomy, but may be noted by the terms oophorectomy and/or salpingectomy (ovary and/or tube). CAUSES A woman and her gynecologist may choose a hysterectomy if she has: Fibroids, or non-cancerous growths that may cause pain or excessive bleeding. Endometriosis, or tissue from the uterus lining that begins growing outside the uterus. It can cause painful periods, abnormal bleeding and infertility. Pelvic O...