Hysterectomy Recovery
Hysterectomy has its advantages and disadvantages. For most women, life without a uterus means relief from the symptoms that caused them to have a hysterectomy such as bleeding, pelvic pain, and abdominal bloating. With relief from those symptoms, women may have better sex with greater libido, frequency, and enjoyment.
You may also observe certain changes after hysterectomy. How you feel about those changes depends on the reasons for the surgery and your life circumstances. It’s a very personal process, but these are some of the changes you can expect:
Menstruation: You won’t have any more periods or need to buy feminine hygiene products.
Contraception: There will be no need for birth control again. But you’ll still need to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) [3].
Routine Pap tests: If you no longer have a cervix, and your surgery was for reasons other than precancer or cancer, you may no longer need Pap tests. Ask your doctor if routine Pap tests are necessary for you.
Sexuality: You should be able to totally resume sexual function after your full recovery from a hysterectomy. Depending on the reasons for your surgery, you may find it more pleasurable, since periods and birth control are no longer an issue.
Hormonal changes: If your ovaries were not affected, you won’t experience hormonal changes. If your ovaries were removed, menopause will follow. You may experience symptoms of menopause that include:
- hot flashes [4]
- vaginal dryness
- mood changes
- discomfort during intercourse
- decreased libido
If these symptoms cause serious health issues, you should talk to your doctor about possible treatment. You may also need to increase your intake of calcium and vitamin D [5]. Your doctor will recommend hormone replacement therapy if your menopausal symptoms are severe.
Emotional changes: The surgery can also affect one’s emotions, including hormonal changes. Depending on why you needed surgery and your feelings about fertility, you may experience a range of emotions. This is normal, so don’t hesitate to discuss it with your doctor, especially if you have feelings of depression.