Lifestyle Changes After Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy (What Should You Do After Hysterectomy) refers to the method of surgery in which the uterus is taken out of the body. This will lead to infertility as there is no place left in the body where the baby can develop. These women will not experience menstruation (periods) anymore, even if she has not reached menopause. In most cases, the cervix and ovaries are also taken alongwith the uterus. Subtotal hysterectomy and radical hysterectomy are the two types of hysterectomy. 

This surgery leads to some complications, including heavy bleeding, bladder damage and infections. Hence, it is advised to undergo this surgery with highly qualified experts.

Types of Hysterectomy

This article entails some crisp information about hysterectomy, the risk associated with the hysterectomy procedure and after the hysterectomy procedure health concerns, 

The hysterectomy has got various forms, depending upon the part which is excised:

1. 1. Total hysterectomy 
2. 2. Subtotal hysterectomy 
3. 3. Salpingo-oophorectomy 
4. 4. Radical hysterectomy
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There are 3 ways to carry out a hysterectomy:

1. 1. Vaginal hysterectomy
2. 2. Laparoscopic hysterectomy 
3. 3. Abdominal hysterectomy  
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Risks and Complications

This hysterectomy surgery leads to a few complications, including heavy bleeding, bladder damage and infections. Hence, it is advised to undergo this surgery with highly qualified experts. 

Some of the risks associated with hysterectomy surgery:

1. 1. Pelvic Infection or urinary tract infections
2. 2. Heavy blood flow that blood transfusion may be needed
3. 3. If a hysterectomy is not carried out by expert surgeons, there are chances that it might damage the bladder or rectum, leading to some urinary problems or bowel discomfort.
4. 4. General anaesthesia can severely react. 
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The recovery period after a hysterectomy 

Hysterectomy is a really big surgery. There are lots of risks to the patient undergoing surgery. Hence, the patient is retained in the hospital for 5 days or more if the condition is not back to normal. However, after discharge from the hospital, the patient is advised to take precautions and complete rest for at least 6 weeks. After 8 weeks, the patient can resume her normal working schedule.

Is it possible to get pregnant after a hysterectomy?

Getting pregnant after a hysterectomy is rare, but it might occur in extreme cases. There is a case study published in a journal of medicine, which says a woman got pregnant after an abdominal hysterectomy. Hence, it is advised to check hCG level urine tests. 

What kind of exercises can I do after a hysterectomy?

1. 1. Walking normally after you get normal post-surgery
2. 2. Swimming after wound healing (strengthen the abdominal muscles)
3. 3. Abstain from strenuous exercises
4. 4. Avoid heavy weight lifting
5. 5. Avoid sex atleast for 6 weeks. It can be injurious to your health.
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Do I need contraceptives after a hysterectomy?

No, there is no need for contraceptives or drugs that would prevent pregnancy. However, in order to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases, you are advised to use condoms while having sexual intercourse. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are some common problems faced by women after a hysterectomy?

Some of the common health problems faced by women after a hysterectomy are:

• 1. Vaginal bleeding
• 2. Foul odour discharge
• 3. Infection
• 4. Haemorrhage
• 5. Vaginal prolapse
• 6. Injury to the surrounding organs like the urinary bladder, ureter, bowel
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Q2. What are the changes in women’s bodies after a hysterectomy?

After a hysterectomy, there won’t be periods or pregnancy as the uterus has been removed in the procedure. Also, there is belly protrusion and a curvy lower back due to slight spine compression. There is the adjustment of organs to fill up the space of the uterus after a hysterectomy.

Q3. What are the activity restrictions after a hysterectomy?

There are few activity restrictions after the hysterectomy for about 2-3 weeks. Some of them are:

• 1. Avoid lifting too heavy objects
• 2. No strenuous activities
• 3. The incision site should not be rubbed
• 4. No sexual activities
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Q4. Can I walk after 2 weeks of hysterectomy?

Walking can be done after 2 weeks of hysterectomy. It depends on the type of hysterectomy a woman has undergone. Abdominal hysterectomy takes more time to heal than other types of hysterectomies, like vaginal hysterectomy. A person can walk for 5-10 minutes according to their ease for slight activity after a hysterectomy.

Q5. Do I need contraceptives after a hysterectomy?

No, there is no need for contraceptives or drugs that would prevent pregnancy. However, in order to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases, you are advised to use condoms while having sexual intercourse.

Q6. Is it possible to get pregnant after a hysterectomy?

Getting pregnant after a hysterectomy is rare, but it might occur in extreme cases. There is a case study published in a journal of medicine, which says a woman got pregnant after an abdominal hysterectomy. Hence, it is advised to check hCG level urine tests. 

Q7. Does a woman gain weight after undergoing a hysterectomy?

According to studies, many women appear to have gained weight after hysterectomy in the following years.

What are There are 3 ways to carry out a hysterectomy:

1. 1. Vaginal hysterectomy
2. 2. Laparoscopic hysterectomy 
3. 3. Abdominal hysterectomy 
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