Background: Hysterectomy is a surgical approach, where the whole- or alternative parts of the uterus are removed which makes the fertile woman infertile. The main indication for a hysterectomy is heavy menstrual bleeding or myoma.

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore fertile women´s experiences after a hysterectomy.

Method: A literature-based study was chosen according to the purpose of the study. The databases Cinahl and PubMed were used in the data collection which resulted in ten qualitative articles. The analysis was based on Friberg’sfive-step model which led to two main themes “the changed woman” and “the changed life”with five subthemes.

Results: The consequences of the hysterectomy led to a change in femininity, body perception and intimate relationship as well as a need to accept and find meaning in life.

Conclusion: Conclusions that can be drawn from the result of the study werethat fertile women needed support after a hysterectomy as it had a major impact on the women´s physical, mental and social life. Women´s feelings after a hysterectomy were often traumatic and could affect the woman through her life, which highlights the importance of capturing these women and ensuring that the help is available.