You might have decided to get a hysterectomy for lots of reasons, from cancer concerns to issues like benign uterine fibroid tumors, endometriosis, or uterine prolapse. At Cary OB/GYN, our experienced care team supports patients in the Morrisville and Cary, North Carolina, area before, during, and after a hysterectomy.
We can give you guidance on what to expect after your surgery, and help you handle any side effects or complications that you may deal with as you adjust to post-hysterectomy life.
Recovering from the procedure
During an abdominal hysterectomy, we make an incision in your lower midriff or vagina, if it’s not possible to use a laparoscopic approach through smaller abdominal incisions. In a partial hysterectomy, only your uterus is removed.
You may have had a total hysterectomy, removing both your uterus and your cervix. Your procedure may also have included the removal of one or both of your ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Right after your procedure, it’s important to take time to recuperate. Risks associated with the surgery include blot clots, excessive bleeding, and infection. Your full recovery could take weeks, and lifting heavy objects after the surgery won’t be a good idea, so plan on securing extra support in your personal life to let your body heal.
Continuing life changes
The major change you’ll notice after you’ve recovered from your hysterectomy connects to your hormones. You’ll no longer be able to become pregnant and will no longer menstruate. You may find that menopause symptoms begin suddenly after your procedure. We can support you through the changes of menopause with treatments like hormone replacement therapy.
The area of life after a hysterectomy that most women worry about is sex. You can return to sexual activity six weeks after surgery. If you experience side effects after the procedure like pelvic floor weakness or vaginal dryness, physical and medical therapies are available to help. You may need to make a few adjustments, but you should be able to enjoy a full and healthy sex life after your hysterectomy.
For some women, changes in fertility can trigger feelings of emotional loss or depression. Counseling is available if you find yourself struggling emotionally after your hysterectomy. You may also experience low libido or reduced sexual sensation as a result of the physical and emotional changes of the procedure. Talk to our care team about any of these wellness issues, and we can guide you to appropriate treatments to support your ongoing sexual health.
At Cary OB/GYN, our care team has the expertise you can rely on to get you through the transition of life after a hysterectomy. To schedule a consultation appointment with a member of our team, call our office today, or use the online booking tool.
