Told You Need a Hysterectomy? Please Read This First

Hysterectomy is the name given to the surgical removal of a woman’s uterus. After the applicable treatments have been tried but not helped with the symptoms, the operation is the then recommended as a final solution. Your condition will determine which type of hysterectomy your doctor will perform and exactly which organs are to be removed.

There are numerous reasons why a hysterectomy needs to be performed, but the most common is painful, heavy periods in a woman passed her child-bearing years. There are other reasons why a hysterectomy is recommended – uterine prolapse, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, childbirth complications and cancer. Ask the doctor for the reasons he has recommended a hysterectomy.

Your doctor may do the surgery through the vagina or an incision across your abdomen. Recovery is usually faster and less painful with a vaginal procedure because it doesn’t involve an incision and stitches. The reason for the need for surgery, the general health of the patient and her age are all factors that will be considered to assess a woman’s suitability for this method.

Some pain and discomfort are to be expected after a hysterectomy; this will be more severe after an abdominal procedure. Analgesics are administered in the hospital to give relief; a catheter is usually inserted during the surgery for urine to pass and this will remain in place for 24 to 48 hours.

Bed rest for a day or two after surgery is usual but then staff will help you walk around a little. The reason for encouraging walking is to lessen the chance of blood clots in the legs. The time you are in hospital varies from around three days to seven days. depending on the type of hysterectomy procedure you have had.

Your body needs time to heal so make sure you allow at least six weeks, maybe eight, to regain your strength. It is important to rest during this time and don’t do any heavy housework, stretching or lifting.

You can expect some symptoms during your recovery. You can expect some discharge and bleeding from the vagina after your hysterectomy, but you should see your doctor if it continues. You may experience some menopause-type symptoms, but these will usually subside after a week or less. You may feel like crying, be anxious or confused, have sweats or hot flashes. Some women, whose symptoms persist, are prescribed HRT (hormone replacement therapy) by their doctors.

Your hysterectomy should have no negative impact on your libido, in fact, many women report that it is enhanced. However, if your ovaries have been removed, you may experience vaginal dryness, which can be helped by using a vaginal lubricant or taking estrogen. The body takes time to heal and so allow about 6 weeks for complete recovery before having sex again.

Any emotional symptoms you feel after your surgery will be short-lived. Most patients find that they feel much better after their surgery that the symptoms disappear quickly. You doctor will be able to help you deal with any lasting issues. A physicians can always give you good information on hysterectomy surgery, Total Abdominal Hysterectomy and Radical Hysterectomy.

You need to get more active a few weeks after surgery by taking short walks each day. Make sure you start off slowly and then gradually lengthen your walks in time or distance. Your recovery will be enhanced with a little exercise like this and give you something positive to do. The recovery period is six to eight weeks for a reason – this time is needed to make a full recovery.

Warning this is not medical advise