Hysterectomy in Grand Rapids, Michigan

A hysterectomy is a surgery to remove the uterus (womb). After a hysterectomy, you will no longer have menstrual periods and you cannot become pregnant.

In Grand Rapids, hysterectomies are commonly performed at major hospitals and surgical centers, including Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health, as well as by board‑certified gynecologists in private practices.

Types of Hysterectomy

Your gynecologist will recommend the type of hysterectomy based on your diagnosis, age, overall health, and future fertility plans.

Total Hysterectomy

  • Removal of the uterus and cervix
  • This is the most common type of hysterectomy in Grand Rapids and across Michigan.

Subtotal (Partial) Hysterectomy

  • Removal of the uterus only
  • The cervix is left in place.
  • You will no longer have periods, but you may still need routine cervical screening (Pap tests) if your cervix remains.

Hysterectomy With Removal of Tubes and/or Ovaries

In some cases, your doctor may also recommend:

  • Salpingectomy – removal of the fallopian tubes
  • Oophorectomy – removal of one or both ovaries

Removing the fallopian tubes can reduce the risk of certain ovarian cancers. If both ovaries are removed and you have not yet reached menopause, you will enter menopause immediately after surgery.

Reasons for Having a Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is usually recommended only after other treatments have not worked or are not appropriate. Common reasons include:

  • Heavy or abnormal uterine bleeding
    • Bleeding that soaks through pads or tampons frequently
    • Bleeding that causes anemia, fatigue, or affects daily life
  • Uterine fibroids
    • Noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, or pain
  • Endometriosis
    • Tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing severe pain and sometimes fertility problems
  • Adenomyosis
    • Uterine lining grows into the muscle wall of the uterus, causing heavy, painful periods
  • Uterine, cervical, or ovarian cancer or precancerous changes
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
    • The uterus drops into the vagina, often causing pressure, discomfort, or urinary problems
  • Chronic pelvic pain
    • When other causes have been evaluated and treated without relief

In Grand Rapids, gynecologists often work closely with primary care doctors and specialists at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health to evaluate these conditions and discuss all treatment options before recommending hysterectomy.

Do You Need a Referral in Grand Rapids?

In most cases, yes, you will need a referral from your primary care physician or family doctor to see a gynecologist for hysterectomy evaluation, especially if you:

  • Have an HMO or referral-based insurance plan
  • Receive care through a local health system (e.g., Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health)

Check with your insurance provider and your primary care office. Many Grand Rapids clinics can help coordinate referrals to local OB/GYN specialists.

How a Hysterectomy Is Performed

There are several surgical approaches to hysterectomy available in Grand Rapids, including minimally invasive options. Your surgeon will recommend the safest and most effective method for you.

Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

  • “Keyhole” surgery performed through small cuts (incisions) in your abdomen
  • A thin tube with a camera (laparoscope) is used to see inside the pelvis
  • Instruments are inserted through the small incisions to remove the uterus
  • Often associated with:
    • Shorter hospital stay
    • Faster recovery
    • Smaller scars

Many Grand Rapids hospitals, including Spectrum Health and Metro Health, offer advanced laparoscopic and robotic-assisted hysterectomy.

Vaginal Hysterectomy

  • The uterus is removed through the vagina
  • No incisions are made in the abdomen
  • Often used for uterine prolapse or smaller uteri
  • Typically offers a relatively quick recovery

Abdominal Hysterectomy

  • A larger incision is made in the lower abdomen (similar to a C‑section incision)
  • May be recommended for:
    • Large fibroids
    • Suspected cancer
    • Extensive scar tissue (adhesions)

Abdominal hysterectomy may require a longer hospital stay and recovery period compared to laparoscopic or vaginal approaches.

Risks of Hysterectomy

As with any surgery, there are risks. Your gynecologist in Grand Rapids will review these with you in detail and consider your overall health, age, and any chronic conditions (such as diabetes or high blood pressure, which are relatively common in Michigan).

Possible risks include:

  • Bleeding (blood loss)
  • Infection
  • Blood clots (in the legs or lungs)
  • Reaction to anesthesia
  • Damage to nearby organs, such as:
    • Bladder
    • Bowel
    • Ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder)
  • Pelvic pain or scar tissue after surgery

Your surgical team will take steps to reduce these risks, including preventive antibiotics, blood clot prevention, and careful monitoring before and after surgery.

Recovery After Hysterectomy in Grand Rapids

Recovery time varies based on the type of surgery, your general health, and the kind of work or activities you do. Michigan’s climate—especially icy winters and slippery sidewalks in Grand Rapids—can also affect how and when you safely resume walking and outdoor activity.

Typical Recovery Times

  • Vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy

    • Most people return to light activities in 1–2 weeks
    • Full recovery is usually within up to 4 weeks

  • Abdominal hysterectomy

    • May take up to 6 weeks or longer for full recovery

General Recovery Guidelines

Your doctor will give you specific instructions, but common recommendations include:

  • Rest and avoid heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling
  • Gradually increase walking and light activity
  • Avoid driving until you are off strong pain medications and can move comfortably
  • Avoid sexual intercourse, tampons, and douching until your doctor says it is safe (often 4–6 weeks)
  • Follow-up visits with your gynecologist to check healing

In winter, Grand Rapids patients are often advised to be especially careful with outdoor walking to avoid falls on ice during the recovery period.

Menopause and Hormone Therapy After Hysterectomy

What happens after surgery depends on whether your ovaries are removed:

  • Uterus removed, ovaries left in place
    • You will not have periods or need birth control
    • Your ovaries will usually continue to produce hormones until the natural age of menopause
  • Uterus and both ovaries removed (bilateral oophorectomy)
    • You will enter menopause immediately, regardless of age
    • Symptoms may include hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and vaginal dryness

Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)

Depending on your age, symptoms, and medical history, your doctor may recommend menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) to:

  • Manage hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms
  • Help protect bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis
  • Potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in some women

Your Grand Rapids gynecologist or primary care provider will help you weigh the benefits and risks of MHT, taking into account your personal and family health history.

Living After a Hysterectomy

After a hysterectomy:

  • You will not have menstrual periods
  • You do not need contraception for pregnancy prevention
  • You may still need:
    • Regular Pap tests, if your cervix was not removed or if you have a history of cervical changes
    • Regular pelvic exams and breast cancer screening

Most people can return to normal activities, including work, exercise, and sexual activity, after they have fully healed and been cleared by their doctor.

Local Resources in Grand Rapids, Michigan

If you are considering a hysterectomy or need more information, you can start with:

Medical Providers

  • Your GP or family doctor
  • Gynecologists / OB-GYNs at:
    • Spectrum Health
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health
    • Mercy Health

Community and Public Health Resources

  • Kent County Health Department – Information on women’s health, screenings, and local clinics
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community health centers – Low-cost or sliding-scale services
  • Local women’s health centers and family planning clinics – Support, counseling, and referrals

Key Points About Hysterectomy in Grand Rapids

  • Hysterectomy is a surgery to remove the uterus, sometimes along with the cervix, fallopian tubes, and/or ovaries.
  • It may be recommended for heavy bleeding, fibroids, endometriosis, prolapse, cancer, or chronic pelvic pain.
  • Surgical options include laparoscopic, vaginal, and abdominal hysterectomy, all available in major Grand Rapids hospitals.
  • As with any operation, there are risks, including bleeding, infection, blood clots, and possible injury to nearby organs.
  • Recovery typically takes up to 4 weeks for vaginal or laparoscopic procedures and up to 6 weeks for abdominal surgery.
  • If your ovaries are removed, you will go into menopause, and your doctor may discuss menopausal hormone therapy.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and are experiencing heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or other gynecologic symptoms, talk with your primary care provider or a local gynecologist to discuss whether a hysterectomy—or other treatment—may be right for you.