Hysterectomy 

Most patients recover fully from a hysterectomy, but everything depends on the nature of the condition being treated, type of hysterectomy and surgical technique used.

Women who have not had the menopause yet will require oestrogen replacement therapy, as they will enter a menopausal state if the ovaries are removed alongside the uterus.

Pain relief is used after surgery and a catheter is normally used so urine can be passed. You will be encouraged to get up and about as early as possible to avoid blood clots. You should also try to start eating and drinking as soon as bowel movements start again.

Recovery time also depends on how old you are and how good your general health is. Most women who have a vaginal hysterectomy will go home after three or four days, while those who have had an abdominal hysterectomy will return home within four to seven days (1).

Sexual health
Most patients recover fully within six to eight weeks of the operation (1) During recovery, patients should avoid lifting heavy objects and refrain from sex until fully healed.

Many women are concerned about the effects the operation will have on their sex lives. Gynaecologists say that if you experienced a healthy sex life before a condition arose, there is no reason that you should not return to a healthy sex life after the operation.

If you find that surgery has affected your sexual enjoyment, you should speak to your gynaecologist or GP.

Infolinks:
The Hysterectomy Association
Cancer Help (Cancer Research UK)
Cancer Backup
Endometriosis UK

References:
1) Oxford Radcliffe NHS Trust
Abdominal Hysterectomy (PDF)
Accessed Apr 27 2009
Version 2 Nov 2008
Update in Nov 2010