Vaginal hysterectomy, the removal of the uterus, or womb, through the vagina, involves fewer risks and a quicker recovery time when compared to performing the surgery through an incision in the abdomen. Risks include infection, bleeding, blood clots, anesthesia complications, injury to other organs or even death. Patients usually stay in the hospital for one to three days, according to the Mayo Clinic, and can expect to fully recover within one to two weeks.
Step 1
Drink plenty of fluids as soon as you can tolerate it. Staying well-hydrated prevents urinary tract infections and promotes healing.
Step 2
Breathe deeply and cough every hour to prevent lung complications.
Step 3
Walk frequently as soon as you are able. Walking helps to prevent blood clots and relieves gas pain.
Step 4
Rest often to promote the healing process. It is normal to feel tired after surgery, so take an afternoon nap or go to bed early if needed. Try to sleep at least eight hours a night during the first two to six weeks.
Step 5
Avoid lifting heavy objects until you are healed. Unless your surgeon recommends otherwise, you should not lift anything heavier than 20 lbs. for the first six weeks after surgery, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 6
Wear sanitary pads while you have vaginal discharge. The bloody discharge may continue for several days to several weeks. Avoid douching, sexual intercourse or using tampons for six weeks after surgery.
Step 7
Take pain medication as ordered. For the first three to four days, you may want to take pain pills at the same times each day rather than waiting until you are already in pain, according to the North Wisconsin University Hospital. Do not drive while taking narcotics.
Step 8
Eat a regular diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables to avoid constipation.
Tips and Warnings
- Take care of as many errands and household chores as possible before surgery so you can relax when you are discharged. You will need someone to help you for the first week. Your menstrual periods will stop after removal of your uterus but you will not experience menopause unless your ovaries were also removed. If your ovaries were also removed, you may have hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause unless your health care provider prescribes hormones for you to take.
- Some feelings of grief or depression are normal after a hysterectomy but you should talk to your health care provider if these feelings interfere with your daily activities. Contact your health care provider if you have a fever, difficulty breathing, pain or burning on urination, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, persistent pain not relieved by medication or increased bleeding.
Things You'll Need
- Sanitary pads
