Women who experience extreme pelvic pain, heavy periods, prolapse of the uterus, or cancer of the womb, ovaries, or cervix, often choose to undergo a hysterectomy – the surgical removal of the uterus that may also involve the removal of the cervix, ovaries, Fallopian tubes, and other surrounding structures.
The procedure itself is quite common but is considered major surgery with a relatively long recovery period. Understandably, if you are considering a hysterectomy, you may have questions about what to expect following the procedure. Aside from the fact that you will no longer be able to become pregnant and, if you have not already gone through menopause, you will no longer have a period, here’s what else you need to know.
The Day of Your Surgery
Immediately after surgery, you may wake up feeling tired and in some pain, which is normal. To help alleviate your discomfort, you will be given pain-relieving medicine, as well as medicine if you feel sick as a result of the anesthesia or to reduce the risk of infection.
In addition, you may have dressings covering your wounds, an intravenous drip in your arm, a catheter to drain urine from your bladder, a drainage tube in your abdomen to remove any blood from your wound if you had an abdominal hysterectomy, or a gauze pack inserted into your vagina if you underwent a vaginal hysterectomy to minimize the risk of bleeding. The abdominal drainage tube will stay in play for one to two days, while the vaginal gauze pack usually remains in place for 24 hours.
The Day After Your Surgery
On the day following your operation, you will be encouraged to get out of bed and take a short walk to help your blood flow normally, thus reducing the risk of complications, such as blood clots in the legs. You may be taught some exercises to help with mobility by a physiotherapist, as well as some pelvic floor muscle exercises to assist with recovery.
The aforementioned catheter will be removed, so you should be able to urinate normally. However, your stitches will not be removed until at least five to seven days following surgery.
The amount of time you will need to stay in the hospital will depend on your age, the type of hysterectomy you have done, and your overall health. For example, if you have a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy, you may be well enough to go home within one to four days. If you have an abdominal hysterectomy, it may be up to five days before you are discharged.
The Long-Term Recovery Period
Generally, recovery times are shorter after a vaginal or laparoscopy hysterectomy compared to an abdominal hysterectomy, which can take approximately six to eight weeks. During this period, it is best to rest as much as possible and avoid lifting anything heavy, as your abdominal muscles and surrounding tissues need time to heal.
After a hysterectomy, you may experience some temporary side effects, such as:
- Bowel and bladder disturbances, including urinary tract infection or constipation, of which can be easily treated. Drinking plenty of fluids and increasing your fruit and fiber intake can help with bowel and bladder movements. For your first few bowel movements, a laxative can help avoid straining.
- Some vaginal bleeding and discharge. This may last up to six weeks. If you experience heavy vaginal bleeding, pass blood clots, or have a strong discharge order, contact your doctor.
- Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, anxiety, or weepiness. If these symptoms are severe, they can be treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the form of an implant, injections, or tablets.
- Emotional effects, such as sadness, a sense of loss, or depression. These feelings will likely pass, but if they linger, see your doctor. It can also help to talk with other women who have undergone a hysterectomy and may provide emotional support and reassurance.
In terms of getting back to normal physically, you should be able to return to work after six to eight weeks, provided your job doesn’t involve manual labor or heavy lifting. Otherwise, your doctor will advise you on the matter. You should not drive until you feel comfortable wearing a seatbelt, which may be two to six weeks following your operation.
As far as exercise is concerned, the hospital where you are treated should furnish you with information and advice on suitable forms of exertion during your recovery. Walking is recommended, but you should not swim until your wounds are healed. If you must lift light objects, do so with your knees bent and your back straight.
It is generally recommended that you refrain from sex until your wounds have completely healed and any vaginal discharge has stopped. This typically takes at least four to six weeks. Note that you may experience some vaginal dryness, especially if you have your ovaries removed and you are not receiving HRT. You may also experience a temporary reduction in sexual drive, but usually, libido returns once you are fully recovered. After a hysterectomy, you will no longer need to use contraception to prevent pregnancy, but you should use condoms to protect yourself against sexually transmitted infections.
Hysterectomy Procedure in Dothan and Enterprise, Alabama
Fortunately, long hospital stays, large scars, and extended recovery periods are a thing of the past after a hysterectomy thanks to minimally invasive, outpatient procedures using technology offering more precision and control.
Ask your OB-GYN provider at Ladies First Obstetrics & Gynecology and Ladies First MedSpa about your surgical options when it comes to a hysterectomy by calling (334) 671-9445 or toll-free at (877) 671-9445. You can also use our secure online appointment request form to schedule a consultation with us now.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our two convenient locations, in Dothan or Enterprise, Alabama.
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