What is Removed During a Hysterectomy?

During a hysterectomy the uterus is removed by the surgeon. This surgery is required when other treatments have not been successful in relieving the woman’s symptoms. Your condition will determine which type of hysterectomy your doctor will perform and exactly which organs are to be removed.

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. There are other reasons why a hysterectomy is recommended – uterine prolapse, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, childbirth complications and cancer. Ask for a full explanation from the doctor of the reasons why you need a hysterectomy.

There are two ways to perform this surgery; they are vaginal and abdominal. Without needing an incision in the abdomen, a vaginal hysterectomy patient will usually recover faster and will be less bothered by pain. 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. Hospital staff will offer you medication to relieve any pain and you may have a catheter to help pass urine for a day or two.

Bed rest for a day or two after surgery is usual but then staff will help you walk around a little. 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 need a recovery time of 6 or 8 weeks at home to allow wounds to heal and muscles to mend. During your recovery time, you need lots of rest and get someone to help with the housework and cooking.

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. Menopause symptoms are not uncommon after having had a hysterectomy, but they should ease after a few days. The symptoms you may experience are hot flashes and sweating, confusion and anxiety and feeling like crying unexpectedly. In cases where the symptoms don’t go away, doctors may prescribe some hormone replacement therapy to alleviate the discomfort.

A hysterectomy will not affect your sex drive, except in a positive way. 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.

You may have some emotional or psychological symptoms like feeling a sense of loss. The majority of patients feel so much better physically that these symptoms are short-lived. You doctor will be able to help you deal with any lasting issues. The internet can provide more information on hysterectomy surgery, Complete Hysterectomy and Radical Hysterectomy.

After a few eeks at home, start going for a short walk to regain fitness and maintain your normal weight. Be careful for the first few days and don’t go too far; you can always extend the distance after the first few days. Your recovery will be enhanced with a little exercise like this and give you something positive to do. You will need the full recovery time so it is important not to push yourself to recover sooner.

What is Removed During a Hysterectomy?

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