A hysterectomy is a major surgery, and it’s also a necessary intervention for many women struggling with gynecologic conditions. But making the decision to move forward with surgery isn’t always easy. Many women wonder what life might be like after their hysterectomy.
At Philadelphia Women’s Health & Wellness, our team of highly skilled OBGYN professionals loves sharing relevant, science-backed information with the women who entrust us with their care. If you reside in or around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, we invite you to come in and meet our team as you consider your treatment options.
Let’s discuss how a hysterectomy might change your day-to-day life.
Every woman is unique, and each woman who chooses to have a hysterectomy reaches that decision based on unique factors. For many women, a hysterectomy is a surgical solution that ends years of painful symptoms brought on by endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and adenomyosis.
In those cases, women who go through the surgical removal of their uterus often report improvements in their quality of life. No more pain during periods, no more heavy bleeding, and no more irregular cycles that make it impossible to plan for. For those who developed anemia due to heavy bleeding, a hysterectomy provides the chance to restore healthy blood levels.
Those who choose a hysterectomy for gender affirmation reasons often feel a sense of relief once their procedure is complete. It’s often one step on a journey to feel more at home in one's own body.
There are numerous ways to perform a hysterectomy, and the approach taken by your surgeon will shape your recovery path. In addition to removing the uterus, your surgeon might also remove your cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
Many women choose to keep their ovaries so they can continue producing estrogen. If the ovaries must be removed due to cancer risk or damage, you’ll enter menopause immediately. While hormone replacement therapy can help manage symptoms, it can take a while to find the right HRT balance.
The surgical approach your surgeon uses is also an integral part of your recovery. Some procedures can be done laparoscopically, using minimally invasive surgical tools. Robotic-assisted surgery is also an option.
In some cases, open surgery is the best way to perform a hysterectomy. Your surgeon might prefer an open procedure if your uterus is enlarged or if there are complicating factors like endometriosis. An open surgery requires a larger abdominal incision, either horizontally near your bikini line or vertically from your belly button to your pubic area.
No matter which type of hysterectomy you have and what surgical techniques your surgeon uses, there will be an initial recovery process that can be challenging. Once you wake up from surgery, the recovery team is there to help manage your pain, and your nursing staff will monitor you to make sure you’re doing well before you’re released.
Many hysterectomies are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you’ll be able to go home the same day. You might need to stay overnight if you have any complications or if your surgery was an open procedure.
There are many things you can do to make the first days and weeks after your hysterectomy easier. Be sure to eat healthy meals, prioritizing protein and fiber. Drink lots of water throughout the day, and get plenty of rest.
While resting is essential, it’s also important that you move around to the best of your ability. Begin with short walks to keep your blood flowing and reduce the risk of blood clots, and increase your walking time/distance as you feel able.
It’s normal to feel nervous at the thought of any major surgery. If you’re not sure that a hysterectomy is the best course of action, feel free to get a second opinion from a women’s health practitioner that you trust.
There are many ways to treat gynecologic conditions, and no woman should ever feel pressured to have a hysterectomy. For those who are living with the pain and limitations that often lead to a recommendation for hysterectomy, the choice to move forward with the procedure can be the beginning of a new lease on life.
If you’d like to discuss your needs in more detail, we are always here to talk. Book your visit to Philadelphia Women’s Health & Wellness online or over the phone to get started.
