Does a Hysterectomy Affect my Womanhood?
A hysterectomy is when a woman’s uterus is surgically removed. This surgery is required when other treatments have not been successful in relieving the woman’s symptoms. There are different types of hysterectomy performed for different conditions so you might just have your uterus removed, but ovaries, tubes and cervix may also be taken.
The most common reason for having a hysterectomy is extreme period symptoms in an older woman. Additional reasons are pregnancy or birthing problems, some cancers, prolapse of the uterus, endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Your doctor will explain why you have been advised to have the procedure.
Your doctor may do the surgery through the vagina or an incision across your abdomen. Without needing an incision in the abdomen, a vaginal hysterectomy patient will usually recover faster and will be less bothered by pain. The reason for the need for surgery, the general health of the patient and her age are all factors that will be considered to assess a woman’s suitability for this method.
You should be prepared for some pain after the surgery, particularly if you had an abdominal hysterectomy. During a hysterectomy, often the doctor inserts a catheter to help pass urine for the first twenty four to forty eight hours, and you will be offered analgesics for any pain.
For the first day or two after your operation, you will remain in bed but then will be helped to get up and walk around. The reason for encouraging walking is to lessen the chance of blood clots in the legs. The time you are in hospital varies from around three days to seven days. depending on the type of hysterectomy procedure you have had.
Make allowance for a recovery period of six to eight weeks at home, to allow for your full recovery. You will need to have some help around the house during this time because you shouldn’t lift or stretch.
You will probably experience some symptoms during your recovery. Expect some vaginal bleeding or discharge for a week or ten days; ask your doctor about it if you are concerned. After a hysterectomy, some women will have menopause-type symptoms, lasting for a few days to a week. You may feel like crying, be anxious or confused, have sweats or hot flashes. If your menopause symptoms continue for longer, you may be a candidate for hormone replacement therapy or HRT.
Having had a hysterectomy should have no negative effect on your libido; many women report a positive change in this area. A common symptom in patients who have also had ovaries removed is dryness of the vagina, but you can get relief with taking estrogen and vaginal lubricants. You should abstain from sexual intercourse for 6 weeks after your hysterectomy, to allow your body to heal.
You may have some emotional or psychological symptoms like feeling a sense of loss. Most patients find that they feel much better after their surgery that the symptoms disappear quickly. You doctor will be able to help you deal with any lasting issues. A doctor should be the point of contact when trying to find info on hysterectomy surgery, Total Abdominal Hysterectomy and Radical Hysterectomy.
You need to get more active a few weeks after surgery by taking short walks each day. Be careful for the first few days and don’t go too far; you can always extend the distance after the first few days. Light, frequent exercise like this will help your full recovery. It is important not to push yourself; you will need the full 6 weeks for a full recovery and many women require 8 weeks.
Your doctor should be consulted for all medical advise
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