What You Should Know About Recovering from a Hysterectomy

If you’re ready to get a hysterectomy, you might be at your wits’ end. Maybe you’ve been dealing with excessive pain, or you’re battling cancerous cells. Whatever the case may be, you’re probably ready to have the whole situation over and done with. 

You’re close. But this chapter doesn’t necessarily wrap up the day of your surgery. A hysterectomy comes with a recovery period. 

Because he specializes in hysterectomies, Pekka Soini, MD, FACOG, teaches women what to expect after this kind of surgery. At Discovery Medical Center in Midtown Logan Square in Chicago, he and our team can help you plan ahead by giving you the details you need. 

While Dr. Soini and our team offer information based on factors that are specific to you, we can provide a general recovery overview today. 

Recovery depends on the surgery you get

Whenever possible, Dr. Soini performs hysterectomies using minimally invasive surgical techniques. Specifically, he performs the procedure using a laparoscope. This is a thin tube with a camera and a light on the end. That allows Dr. Soini to see what he’s doing without the need to create larger incisions. 

Because it’s less invasive, laparoscopic hysterectomy comes with a shortened recovery time and a shorter hospital stay afterward. We might be able to discharge you from the hospital the next day. Many people largely recover from this kind of hysterectomy in 2–4 weeks. 

That said, there are times when a traditional hysterectomy might be the right call. If you have a large uterus or Dr. Soini needs to better visualize the tissue (e.g., to remove cancerous cells or large fibroids), he may recommend an abdominal hysterectomy. 

With this kind of surgery, you’re usually looking at six weeks to get back to activities like sex, strenuous activity, or lifting anything heavy. You’ll also typically stay in the hospital longer after surgery (up to five days). 

Dr. Soini evaluates your unique situation to recommend the type of hysterectomy best suited to you. Then, he lets you know what to expect of your recovery based on the surgical technique he’ll use. 

Preparing for your recovery period

As you recover from surgery, plan to take it easy for the first few days. You won’t be on bed rest. In fact, walking around as soon as you’re able helps your body heal. Monitor yourself and only introduce activity as it feels appropriate. 

You’ll likely have some spotting for up to six weeks. Don’t use a tampon. A light panty liner should be enough and inserting anything into your vagina could compromise your stitches.

Avoid heavy lifting and vaginal sex until Dr. Soini tells you it’s safe. Also, don’t do anything that means soaking in water, like swimming or taking a bath. You’ll probably need to wait about six weeks to resume these activities. 

Returning to work usually takes 2–6 weeks, depending on the kind of hysterectomy you had and what kind of work you do. 

If you had an abdominal hysterectomy, you might want to put a firm pillow by the toilet. Leaning forward onto it with the pillow in your lap can alleviate pressure. Sitting up on the toilet might be too much for your body right after surgery. 

We’re here to help you manage any discomfort. To work with an expert surgeon for your hysterectomy and a supportive team for your recovery, call our office or book your appointment online today.