Hysterectomy
How bad is the scarring from the hysterectomy?
Depending on the type of surgery you had, you will have either a bikini line scar or a vertical scar from your naval downwards. A vaginal hysterectomy has an internal scar only and cannot be seen.
Will I put on weight after a hysterectomy?
Having a hysterectomy will not make you put on weight. Eating too much and exercising too little during your recovery will, however. You should eat a balanced diet and remember to eat enough fresh fruit and vegetables. You should talk to your GP about what kind of exercise will be appropriate for you.
Will having a hysterectomy make me go through the menopause?
You will only go through the menopause after a hysterectomy if both ovaries have been removed. If it is suitable for you, hormone replacement therapy can be given.
When can I start having sex again?
Avoid having full penetrative sex until about six weeks after the operation or until your doctor checks your healing progress.
I have vaginal dryness. What can I do about it?
If you have had your ovaries removed during the hysterectomy, an oestrogen cream or hormone replacement therapy can help, as can using a lubricating gel before sex.
When can I start driving again?
You can begin driving again when you can do an emergency stop without feeling any pain or damaging your wound. For most people this will be three weeks after leaving hospital.
Is a vaginal hysterectomy operation better than an abdominal one?
The incisions for the vaginal hysterectomy are all internal. Because there is no external incision, patients may report less pain and a faster recovery. However, you will still have to be careful lifting or pulling after the operation.
When can I return to work?
You can normally return to work between four and eight weeks after the operation. However, this very much depends on how quickly you heal and the type of job you do. Always check with your GP first.
Will my ovaries continue producing eggs?
Yes. The eggs produced by your ovaries will now be absorbed by your body instead of moving into the uterus. If you have had your ovaries removed, however, you will not continue to produce eggs.
Will I need to keep having cervical smears?
If you have had a total hysterectomy and the surgeon removed the cervix entirely, you will not need to have any more cervical smear tests. If your surgeon did not remove the cervix, you will need to keep having smear tests.
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