What to expect after a hysterectomy

Light vaginal bleeding or discharge, tiredness and abdominal discomfort can occur while tissues heal. Follow your surgical team's instructions because recovery differs according to whether surgery was vaginal, laparoscopic or abdominal and whether the cervix or ovaries remain.

Menstrual periods stop after the uterus is removed, and pregnancy is no longer possible. If the ovaries remain, they can continue producing hormones even though there is no monthly bleeding. If both ovaries are removed before natural menopause, menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes or vaginal dryness may begin soon after surgery.

Bowel habits may be temporarily slower, and passing urine can feel different at first. Emotional responses vary: relief, sadness and mixed feelings are all possible, especially when surgery affects fertility or follows treatment for cancer.

Take prescribed medicines as directed, keep wounds clean and dry, and use sanitary pads rather than internal menstrual products while discharge continues. Gentle walking supports circulation and bowel function. Increase activity slowly, avoiding heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, driving and penetrative sex until your clinician says these are suitable.

Drink fluids and include fibre in meals to reduce constipation. Attend follow-up so the team can assess wound healing, discuss pathology results when relevant, and clarify hormone or pelvic-floor care.

Contact your surgical team promptly for bleeding that becomes heavy, discharge with an unpleasant smell, fever, worsening pelvic or abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, trouble passing urine, an opening wound, or increasing redness, heat or drainage around an incision.

Seek urgent care for chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing blood, fainting, or a painful swollen leg. These symptoms can signal a serious postoperative complication and should not wait for a routine appointment.

Ask which organs were removed, when you can return to work, lifting, exercise, driving and sex, and whether you need future cervical screening. Also ask whether your ovaries were retained, how to manage menopausal symptoms, and which new symptoms should lead you to contact the team.