Hysterectomy - the surgical removal of the uterus, or womb - is an operation one in five women undergo for a variety of gynaecological disorders. It no longer involves a lengthy stay in hospital - techniques such as keyhole surgery have made most operations simpler and recovery swifter. However, many women suffer emotional trauma at the loss of their womb and Jane Butterworth gives reassuring advice to every woman who has been told she needs a hysterectomy, outlining all the options and offering helpful interviews with women who have undergone surgery. She explains:* the different kinds of hysterectomy* the most up-to-date surgical techniques* what after-effects and length of recovery period to expect* when ovarian removal (oophorectomy) may be necessary* hormone replacement therapy - the pros and cons* alternative therapies Jane Butterworth is an experienced journalist and writer. She is currently the Problems Page Editor of the 'News of the World' and is a member of the Medical Journalist's Association and the Guild of Health Writers. Her books include 'The Right Stuff, Don't Just Sit There, Thrush, Straight Talk: How to Handle Sex' and 'Why Am I Afraid to Divorce?'