A hysterectomy refers to the surgical removal of the uterus. Surgery is usually the last option when the other viable treatments have failed in alleviating the symptoms. 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. Other reasons include pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, prolapse of the uterus, problems during pregnancy or childbirth and some cancers. Your doctor will explain why you have been advised to have the procedure.

You may have a vaginal or an abdominal hysterectomy. Without needing an incision in the abdomen, a vaginal hysterectomy patient will usually recover faster and will be less bothered by pain. This method isn’t suitable for every woman; a lot depends on her medical condition, her age and her general health.

You should be prepared for some pain after the surgery, particularly if you had an abdominal hysterectomy. During a hysterectomy, often the doctor inserts a catheter to help pass urine for the first twenty four to forty eight hours, and you will be offered analgesics for any pain.

After a day or so of bed rest, you will be allowed up and you need to walk for a while each day. This walking soon after surgery is to limit the occurrence of blood clots. The time you are in hospital varies from around three days to seven days. depending on the type of hysterectomy procedure you have had.

You will continue your recovery at home for 6 to 8 weeks so that your body can heal and you can regain your strength. You will need to have some help around the house during this time because you shouldn’t lift or stretch.

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. You may feel like crying, be anxious or confused, have sweats or hot flashes. If your menopause symptoms continue for longer, you may be a candidate for hormone replacement therapy or HRT.

Many women are worried about how a hysterectomy will affect their sex drive but most women report an improvement in this area. vaginal lubricants help to remove any discomfort of vaginal dryness which is common after the ovaries are removed. Your body needs time to heal and so abstaining from sexual intercourse for about 6 weeks after your surgery is recommended.

Some women experience psychological and emotional symptoms after hysterectomy, including a sense of loss or feeling less of a woman, especially younger women. These symptoms don’t last very long because most women feel so much better in themselves. See your doctor if any of these symptoms continue. A physicians can always give you good information on hysterectomy surgery, Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and Radical Hysterectomy.

Starting a simple exercise program of short daily walks after about 3 weeks will help you regain your fitness. It is important to take it easy at first, but you can increase your time and distance every few days. Your recovery will be enhanced with a little exercise like this and give you something positive to do. You will find that you are very tired and will need the full six weeks to recover fully.

Warning this is not medical advise

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