A hysterectomy is major surgery that involves removing the uterus. It is a common procedure, with over 600,000 performed each year in the United States. While most women recover well from a hysterectomy, there are some things you can expect to experience in the months following surgery.
In the first few weeks after surgery, you will likely experience some pain and discomfort. You may also have vaginal bleeding and discharge. These symptoms should gradually improve over time. However, it is important to be patient and allow your body to heal properly. It can take up to six months for your body to fully recover from a hysterectomy.
Once you have fully recovered from surgery, you should be able to resume your normal activities. However, there are some things you may need to avoid or do differently. For example, you may need to limit your physical activity or avoid lifting heavy objects. You may also need to take medication to manage your symptoms, such as hot flashes or night sweats.
What to Expect 6 Months After Hysterectomy
Recovery and adjustments after surgery.
- Pain and discomfort
- Vaginal bleeding and discharge
- Physical activity limitations
- Lifting restrictions
- Medication for symptoms
- Emotional and psychological changes
- New sexual experiences
- Menopause symptoms
Full recovery and return to normal activities.
Pain and discomfort
Pain and discomfort are common in the first few weeks after a hysterectomy. This is because your body is still healing from the surgery. You may experience pain in your abdomen, pelvis, or back. You may also have vaginal pain or discomfort.
- Abdominal pain: This is the most common type of pain after a hysterectomy. It can feel like a dull ache or a sharp pain. The pain may be worse when you move around or cough.
- Pelvic pain: This pain is felt in the lower abdomen or pelvis. It can feel like a pressure or a burning sensation. Pelvic pain may be worse when you sit or stand for long periods of time.
- Back pain: Some women experience back pain after a hysterectomy. This is usually caused by the changes in your posture after surgery. Back pain may also be caused by scar tissue.
- Vaginal pain or discomfort: This is common after a hysterectomy, especially if you had a vaginal hysterectomy. You may experience pain or discomfort when you sit, walk, or have sex. Vaginal pain or discomfort usually goes away within a few weeks.
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort after a hysterectomy, talk to your doctor. They can recommend ways to manage your pain, such as pain medication, physical therapy, or massage.
Vaginal bleeding and discharge
Vaginal bleeding and discharge are common in the first few weeks after a hysterectomy. This is because your body is still healing from the surgery. The bleeding and discharge may be light or heavy, and it may be pink, red, or brown in color. You may also have some cramping or pain.
- Light bleeding: This is the most common type of bleeding after a hysterectomy. It may last for a few days or up to a few weeks. The bleeding should gradually get lighter over time.
- Heavy bleeding: This is less common, but it can happen. Heavy bleeding is defined as bleeding that soaks through a pad or tampon in an hour. If you experience heavy bleeding, call your doctor right away.
- Pink, red, or brown discharge: The color of the discharge may vary depending on how long it has been since your surgery. Pink or red discharge is usually fresh blood. Brown discharge is usually old blood that has been sitting in the vagina for a while.
- Cramping or pain: You may experience some cramping or pain along with the bleeding and discharge. This is usually mild and goes away within a few days.
If you are concerned about the bleeding or discharge after your hysterectomy, talk to your doctor. They can check to make sure that everything is healing properly.
Physical activity limitations
After a hysterectomy, you will need to limit your physical activity for a period of time. This is to allow your body to heal properly and to reduce the risk of complications. The length of time you will need to limit your activity will depend on the type of hysterectomy you had and how well you are recovering.
In general, you should avoid strenuous activity for at least 6 weeks after a hysterectomy. This includes activities such as running, jumping, and lifting heavy objects. You should also avoid swimming, taking baths, and using tampons during this time.
After 6 weeks, you can gradually start to increase your activity level. However, you should still avoid strenuous activity for at least 3 months after surgery. This is to give your body time to fully heal and to reduce the risk of complications.
If you are unsure about what activities you can and cannot do after a hysterectomy, talk to your doctor. They can give you specific instructions based on your individual situation.
It is important to listen to your body and rest when you need to. Do not push yourself too hard, or you may risk injuring yourself. If you experience any pain, swelling, or bleeding, stop the activity and talk to your doctor.
Lifting restrictions
After a hysterectomy, you will need to follow lifting restrictions for a period of time. This is to allow your body to heal properly and to reduce the risk of complications, such as vaginal vault prolapse. The length of time you will need to follow lifting restrictions will depend on the type of hysterectomy you had and how well you are recovering.
- For the first 6 weeks after surgery: You should not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds.
- From 6 weeks to 3 months after surgery: You can gradually increase the amount of weight you lift, but you should still avoid lifting anything heavier than 20 pounds.
- After 3 months: You can usually return to your normal activities, including lifting heavy objects. However, you should still listen to your body and avoid lifting anything that causes pain.
- If you have had a vaginal hysterectomy: You may need to follow lifting restrictions for a longer period of time. This is because the vaginal vault is more likely to prolapse after a vaginal hysterectomy.
It is important to follow your doctor's instructions regarding lifting restrictions. If you lift something too heavy too soon, you may injure yourself and delay your recovery.
Medication for symptoms
After a hysterectomy, you may experience a variety of symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. These symptoms are caused by the sudden drop in estrogen and progesterone levels that occurs after surgery. In some cases, these symptoms can be severe and interfere with your quality of life.
- Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy is the most common treatment for menopausal symptoms after a hysterectomy. Hormone therapy can help to replace the estrogen and progesterone that your body is no longer producing. This can help to relieve symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.
- Antidepressants: Antidepressants can be helpful for treating mood swings and other emotional symptoms after a hysterectomy. Antidepressants can also help to improve sleep and energy levels.
- Vaginal lubricants: Vaginal lubricants can help to relieve vaginal dryness and discomfort. Vaginal lubricants can be used during sex or other activities that may cause discomfort.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to relieve pain and discomfort after a hysterectomy.
If you are experiencing symptoms after a hysterectomy, talk to your doctor. They can recommend the best treatment for your individual situation.
Emotional and psychological changes
After a hysterectomy, you may experience a range of emotional and psychological changes. These changes are caused by the hormonal changes that occur after surgery, as well as the emotional and physical challenges of recovering from surgery.
Common emotional and psychological changes after a hysterectomy include:
- Mood swings: You may experience mood swings, irritability, and anxiety. These mood swings are caused by the sudden drop in estrogen and progesterone levels after surgery.
- Depression: Some women experience depression after a hysterectomy. This is especially common in women who were already struggling with depression before surgery.
- Anxiety: Anxiety is also common after a hysterectomy. This is often caused by the fear of the unknown and the worry about how the surgery will affect your life.
- Body image issues: Some women experience body image issues after a hysterectomy. This is especially common in women who have had a radical hysterectomy, which involves the removal of the uterus, cervix, and ovaries.
It is important to remember that these emotional and psychological changes are normal and temporary. Most women will feel better within a few months after surgery. However, if you are struggling with severe emotional or psychological symptoms, talk to your doctor. They can recommend treatment options to help you cope.
Here are some tips for coping with emotional and psychological changes after a hysterectomy:
- Talk to your doctor or therapist about your feelings.
- Join a support group for women who have had a hysterectomy.
- Exercise regularly.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Get enough sleep.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine.