What Should You Expect After Having a Hysterectomy?

Recovering from a hysterectomy can feel overwhelming, but at Norman Regional Health System, our commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care means we’re with you every step of the way, from the first recovery day to the months that follow.

Whether you're preparing for surgery or supporting a loved one, understanding what to expect afterward can make all the difference in feeling confident in your care.

Types of Hysterectomies:

A hysterectomy is a minimally-invasive surgery to remove a woman’s womb. The procedure is one of the most common performed in the United States, with about 600,000 performed every year.

There are many medical reasons women have hysterectomies, like uterine fibroids, cancer, endometriosis, hyperplasia, uterine prolapse and more.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office on Women’s Health identifies three common types of hysterectomies:

• A total hysterectomy: Removing all of the uterus including the cervix. This is the most common form of the procedure.
• A partial hysterectomy: Removes just the upper portion of the uterus. The cervix is left in place.
• A radical hysterectomy: Most often used to treat certain types of cancer, a radical hysterectomy removes all of the uterus, cervix, the tissue on both sides of the cervix and the upper part of the vagina.

Patients have many options when making decisions about their procedure.

“Many patients are candidates for a robotic or minimally invasive hysterectomy,” said Jennifer Vasquez DNP, APRN-CNP, WHNP-BC, a Women’s Health provider at Norman Regional Purcell. “These procedures are safe, effective, and allow for quicker recovery times, making them a great option for many women.”

What to Expect During Recovery:

Most women who undergo a hysterectomy are able to discharge same day. Other certain methods of hysterectomy procedures may require a one to two night stay. You and your doctor will decide how long you stay depending on the type of procedure specific to you.

Once you're ready, your physician will encourage you to start moving, even if it's just walking around a little or using the restroom on your own, as long as it's comfortable for you.

Your physician will complete a final evaluation of your initial recovery, then you'll be cleared to go home. You will be given a set of general instructions and guidelines to follow as you continue your recovery. Full recovery time for a hysterectomy is between six and eight weeks.

Jennifer recommends best practices for a successful recovery:

• Balancing rest and low-intensity activity
• Eating a nutritious diet
• Staying hydrated
• Managing pain with prescribed pain medication
• Keeping incisions clean
• Preventing constipation

“Post-hysterectomy red flags indicating a potential problem include heavy bleeding, fever, signs of infection at the incision site, severe pain, difficulty urinating or having bowel movements, shortness of breath, or chest pain,” said Jennifer.

Additionally, there are some physical side effects from a hysterectomy. In most cases, it varies by each woman and the type of procedure.

“Physical changes include the cessation of menstrual periods, loss of childbearing ability and potential hormonal shifts, especially if ovaries are also removed, leading to menopause symptoms,” said Jennifer.

These changes are to be expected, but it’s important to speak with your doctor about any abnormalities in your physical side effects. If you are experiencing extreme physical side effects or you suspect something is amiss, speak with your doctor immediately.

Mental and Emotional Recovery:

It is also crucial to acknowledge for some women, the recovery from a hysterectomy involves emotional and mental challenges as well.

The removal of the uterus and other reproductive organs can lead to feelings of loss, which may affect a woman’s sense of identity.

Some women report feeling more anxious or depressed after their hysterectomy, and these feelings are often linked to the hormonal changes that occur following the procedure.

“Emotionally, women may experience grief, sadness, or a sense of loss related to the loss of fertility or the perceived impact on femininity”, said Jennifer. “Hormonal changes can also contribute to mood swings, depression, anxiety, and other emotional symptoms.”

While there is little research to prove having a hysterectomy is linked to an increase in anxiety and depression, it is important to monitor shifts in mood and speak to your primary care or women’s health provider about them as the recovery process continues.

“You don’t have to navigate these emotional changes alone,” said Jennifer. “As women’s health providers, we’re here to support you not just physically, but emotionally, too. It’s our job to walk alongside you during this time and help you feel heard, understood and empowered.”

Return to Work and Daily Activities:

Many women are able to return to work and resume normal daily activities at week six post-op. While recovery timelines can vary depending on the type of procedure and individual healing, most women experience few, if any, long-term side effects.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend physical rehabilitation, such as pelvic floor therapy, for women who experience lingering symptoms.

For many, a hysterectomy can significantly improve quality of life, especially when done to treat serious medical conditions.

“Though the recovery process may seem overwhelming at first, with proper care, time to heal, and regular follow-up visits, it doesn’t have to be a daunting experience,” said Jennifer.

If you're experiencing symptoms that may require a hysterectomy, Women’s Health Month is a great time to connect with a provider. At Women’s Healthcare of Norman, Care for Women – Norman and Norman Regional Purcell, our Women's Health teams are here to support you every step of the way. To schedule an appointment or learn more, please call 405-515-5000 or visit https://www.normanregional.com/services/womens-health/.