Fertility After Hysterectomy: Real Answers for Real People

If you’ve had a hysterectomy, the first thing that pops into most minds is "Can I still have a baby?" The short answer is: you can’t carry a pregnancy because the uterus is gone. But that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. There are several paths you can take to become a parent, and knowing them can help you make a plan that fits your life.

What the Surgery Actually Changes

A hysterectomy removes the uterus, and sometimes the cervix, depending on the type. In a total hysterectomy both are gone, while a subtotal (or supracervical) leaves the cervix behind but still eliminates the space where a baby would grow. Your ovaries may stay intact, which means you’ll still produce eggs and hormones. If the ovaries are removed too (oophorectomy), you’ll need hormone replacement to avoid early menopause symptoms.

Parenthood Paths When You Can’t Carry

Since you can’t gestate, the most common route is using a gestational carrier. Your eggs (or donor eggs) are fertilized with sperm in a lab, creating embryos that are then placed in the carrier’s uterus. This process is called IVF with a surrogate. It’s legal in many places, but the rules differ by state or country, so it’s worth checking local laws.

If your ovaries are gone or you’re worried about egg quality, donor eggs are an option. The donor’s eggs are fertilized with your partner’s sperm (or donor sperm), and the resulting embryos are transferred to the surrogate. Many couples find this route works well, and the success rates are similar to traditional IVF.

Another route is adoption. It’s a beautiful way to build a family, and it avoids the medical and legal steps of surrogacy. Whether you go for domestic or international adoption, you’ll still need to go through an assessment, but the emotional payoff is huge.

Finally, if you still have ovaries, you can preserve your own fertility before a hysterectomy by freezing eggs. This gives you the chance to use your own genetic material later, even if you decide on a surrogate down the line.

Regardless of the path you choose, talk to a fertility specialist who understands post‑hysterectomy cases. They can walk you through the numbers, costs, and timelines, and help you set realistic expectations. Remember, losing a uterus doesn’t erase your desire to be a parent—you just might need a different road to get there.