Hysterectomy is the name given to the surgical removal of a woman’s uterus. The operation is usually recommended when other options have failed to relieve the symptoms the individual woman is experiencing. Some hysterectomies remove the uterus, other include the cervix, while a radical hysterectomy will see the removal of uterus, cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes.

By far the most common reason for needing a hysterectomy is menstrual problems in an older woman. Other diagnoses may be cancer, pregnancy or childbirth difficulties, prolapse, endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Ask for a full explanation from the doctor of the reasons why you need 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. This hysterectomy method is not suitable for all women and her condition and level of general health are taken into consideration.

As with all surgical procedures, some discomfort and pain are to be expected, but this will be more severe with an abdominal hysterectomy. 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. Vaginal hysterectomy patients are usually discharged after 3 or 4 days but abdominal hysterectomy patients have a hospital stay of up to one week.

Recovery is continued at home for 6 to 8 weeks to allow the wound to heal, abdominal muscles to strengthen and the emotional aspects of surgery to settle. It is important to rest during this time and don’t do any heavy housework, stretching or lifting.

You will probably experience some symptoms during your recovery. Speak to the doctor if the normal vaginal discharge or bleeding continues for more than two weeks. Some women experience menopause symptoms, which last a few days. These symptoms include sweating, hot flashes, anxiety, confusion and teariness. In cases where the symptoms don’t go away, doctors may prescribe some hormone replacement therapy to alleviate the discomfort.

Your hysterectomy should have no negative impact on your libido, in fact, many women report that it is enhanced. Vaginal dryness is a common symptom in patients who have had their ovaries removed, but this can be relieved with vaginal lubricants or HRT. You should abstain from sexual intercourse for 6 weeks after your hysterectomy, to allow your body to heal.

You may have some emotional or psychological symptoms like feeling a sense of loss. Most patients find that they feel much better after their surgery that the symptoms disappear quickly. Your doctor is the person to ask about any concerns you have about symptoms that seem to be staying with you. A physicians can always give you good information on after hysterectomy, Total Abdominal Hysterectomy and Radical Hysterectomy.

After a few eeks at home, start going for a short walk to regain fitness and maintain your normal weight. Don’t overdo it in the beginning, but gradually increase the length of your daily walk. This light exercise will speed your recovery and help to prevent boredom. It is important not to push yourself; you will need the full 6 weeks for a full recovery and many women require 8 weeks.

Your doctor should be consulted for all medical advise

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