What to Expect After a Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is an invasive surgical procedure done to remove a woman’s uterus. There are both risks and benefits to this surgery, and the entire hormonal balance of a woman’s body will be altered significantly. Because of this, a hysterectomy is normally performed as a last resort after pharmaceutical or other surgical options have been exhausted.

At Marietta OB/GYN Affiliates, P.A., we provide comprehensive women’s care for patients in Marietta and the surrounding areas. When a hysterectomy becomes necessary for a woman’s health, it is necessary for women to take ample time to recover and rest after surgery. Not only will this time allow for the physical healing of the body to occur, but it will also help the body adjust to the significant changes that will occur.

Hormonal changes are inevitable after a hysterectomy, and the body will begin to adjust to the fact that you can no longer get pregnant or menstruate. Because of this change, the body will begin to undergo menopause. Even women in their 20s and 30s will experience menopausal symptoms after a hysterectomy because the female body was designed to be regulated by the female hormonal system. Hormonal shifts and adjustments are typically the most dreaded effect of a hysterectomy, but the physicians at Marietta OB/GYN Affiliates, P.A. are here to help minimize the discomfort and disruptions that may occur. Most women choose to undergo hormone replacement therapy that is initiated shortly after a hysterectomy so that their system can start to “balance out” after the change.

Many women also experience emotional swings due to the loss or sadness that they are no longer able to bear children. Struggling with these feelings is completely normal, and they should not be dismissed. If depression begins to set in, please speak with your doctor.

Changes in sexual activity may also be experienced. While most women can return to sexual activity after six weeks, some women find that they suffer from vaginal dryness, low libido, or pelvic floor weakness. Again, these are not issues that you need to deal with alone. There are physical and medical treatments available to help you return to an enjoyable sex life after a hysterectomy.

If you have questions or concerns regarding what to expect after a hysterectomy, please do not hesitate to contact Marietta OB/GYN Affiliates, P.A. We are here to provide the most sensitive and comprehensive women’s care.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Carlos Alarcon, Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A.