The uterus is central to womanhood: it's the baby house, and allows for menstruation. So, what's it like to have it removed?

Each year around 30,000 Australian women have a hysterectomy — to relieve pain, to treat cancer, or as part of gender affirming care.

The path to surgery isn't always straightforward or quick. It can involve years of heartache, confusion and BS from specialists. But for most women, a hysterectomy is a game changer, bringing lasting relief and restoring quality of life.

Yumi Stynes speaks to women who've a had hysterectomy and finds out what led to their decision and what life is like on the other side.

Plus, gynaecologist and endometriosis specialist Dr Pav Nanayakkara explains the reasons we might need to get a hysterectomy, how to navigate the side effects of having your reproductive organs removed and whether we can still achieve the big O post-surgery.

Helpful resources:

• Ausralian Endometrosis Foundation
• Jean Hailes Foundation

 This episode will answer questions like:

• What is a hysterectomy?
• Why do people get a hysterectomy?
• What are the different types of hysterectomy?
• What happens after a hysterectomy?
• Do I need my uterus?
• Will a hysterectomy cure my adenomyosis pain?
• Will a hysterectomy cure my endometriosis?
• Did Lena Dunham get a hysterectomy?

What to listen to next:

"Where the hell is my husband?" Women who've never had a partner — ABC listen

Will we ever have a cure for endometriosis? — ABC listen

The new way to date — ABC listen

Family Feuds: Is estrangement the new normal? — ABC listen

You can binge more episodes of Ladies, We Need to Talk on the ABC listen app (in Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.

What to read next:

Why Kate chose to 'stay flat' after breast cancer surgery — ABC News

Why these women have never had a partner — ABC News

This episode contains references to hysterectomies, hysterectomy, uterus, medical misogyny, surgery, ovaries, gender affirming care, relationships, orgasms.