After a hysterectomy, women will experience some pain or stiffness. Pain
killers are prescribed to relieve discomfort. Within a day or two, women are
generally able to handle short walks and allowed to return home. Recovery time
varies women to women, thus women should avoid any strenuous activity, include
sexual intercourse, for six weeks. Although some women may begin to feel normal
by week three, they should still listen to their doctor's instructions. During
this time, women who had their ovaries removed may begin to experience
menopausal symptoms. Physicians may provide information or recommend therapies
to help cope with the onset of menopause.
Risks and Complications
All surgeries involve risks and possible complications, hysterectomies are
no exception. Fortunately, complications occur in a small percentage of women.
Risks include:
Extreme blood loss
Bowel Damage
Bladder Damage
Infections
Reactions to
anesthesia
Woman should be aware of certain risks or complications before agreeing to this
operation. Importantly, women should understand that a hysterectomy ends their
chances of having children. In situations where alternative treatment is an
option, women who hope to someday have children should employ other methods of
treatment before undergoing this surgical procedure.