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Hysterectomy 101 What You As a Woman Need To Know thumbnail

Hysterectomy 101 What You As a Woman Need To Know


June 29, 2010

During a hysterectomy the uterus is removed by the surgeon. After the applicable treatments have been tried but not helped with the symptoms, the operation is the then recommended as a final solution. The type of hysterectomy you will have will be determined by your condition, and you may just have the uterus removed, but some hysterectomies include removal of the cervix, ovaries and tubes.

While there are many reasons why a hysterectomy is indicated, the most common is painful heavy periods in a woman who has finished having children. Other diagnoses may be cancer, pregnancy or childbirth difficulties, prolapse, endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease. 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. This method isn’t right for all patients because it may not be feasible considering the individual’s reason for surgery and the general health and age.

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.

Complete bed rest is maintained for the first 24 to 36 hours after the surgery, and then patients are encouraged to get up to walk around a little and maybe to shower. This walking soon after surgery is to limit the occurrence of blood clots. The stay in hospital for women who have had a vaginal hysterectomy is 3 or 4 days; for those who have had an adbominal hysterectomy, it is closer to one week.

You will continue your recovery at home for 6 to 8 weeks so that your body can heal and you can regain your strength. It is important to rest during this time and don’t do any heavy housework, stretching or lifting.

There will be certain symptoms you can expect during recovery. Some vaginal discharge and bleeding is normal for a week or so after a hysterectomy; if this continues, speak to your doctor. It is quite common to have some menopause symptoms after your surgery, but these usually go away after several days. These symptoms include sweating, hot flashes, anxiety, confusion and teariness. If your menopause symptoms continue for longer, you may be a candidate for hormone replacement therapy or HRT.

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 will be advised to avoid sex for around six weeks after your surgery, because the body needs this time to heal properly.

Some women feel a sense of loss after a hysterectomy or feel they are less of a woman. After a hysterectomy, most women feel so much stronger physically, that the symptoms don’t last for very long. If you find that some of these issues are continuing, ask your doctor for advice. The internet can provide more information on after hysterectomy, Complete Hysterectomy and Supracervical Hysterectomy.

Three weeks after you come home, start having a daily short walk to improve your fitness and enhance your recovery. Don’t overdo it in the beginning, but gradually increase the length of your daily walk. Make sure to keep the exercise manageable and it will help you recover faster and more completely. The recovery period is six to eight weeks for a reason - this time is needed to make a full recovery.

For all medical issues ask your doctor this is for entertainment only

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