A vaginal hysterectomy is a treatment option for endometriosis, fibroids, uterine prolapse, chronic pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding and gynecologic cancers such as cervix, ovaries, uterus and endometrium. The surgeon removes the uterus through a cut in the vagina. A vaginal hysterectomy is a less invasive treatment compared to an abdominal hysterectomy and has shorter recovery times. For women who have not gone through menopause, if in addition to removing the uterus, the surgeon also removes the ovaries, a vaginal hysterectomy will cause menopause according to Medline Plus, a website of the National Institutes of Health.
Step 1
Research information about vaginal hysterectomies and discuss treatment options with your doctor. Also, talk to your doctor about what changes in your body to expect post-surgery.
Step 2
Discuss your current medication routine with your doctor. Disclose all medications you currently take. Include over-the-counter medicines, supplements, herbs, drugs and prescriptions. Your doctor may advise you to cease using ibuprofen, clopidogrel, warfarin and aspirin until after the procedure.
Step 3
Decide what type of anesthesia you want the surgeon to use for your vaginal hysterectomy. You can opt for general anesthesia or regional anesthesia. During general anesthesia, you are unconscious during the procedure. With regional anesthesia, you are conscious, but the anesthesia cuts off all sensations in the lower half of your body.
Step 4
Stop smoking before your scheduled procedure. Your health care provider can provide you with assistance on smoking cessation tools.
Step 5
Arrange for help at your home after the surgical procedure and hospital stay. Hospital stays typically last two to three days; however, recovery times for a vaginal hysterectomy extends from three to four weeks. The MayoClinic.com recommends having assistance for the first week or two after the procedure.
Step 6
Fast the night before procedure. If permitted by your doctor, drink a small amount of clear liquid.
Step 7
Arrive at the hospital for the procedure at the time instructed by your doctor.
