Results

It takes time to get back to your usual self after an abdominal hysterectomy — about six weeks for most women. During that time:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Don't lift anything heavy for a full six weeks after the operation.
• Stay active after your surgery, but avoid strenuous physical activity for the first six weeks.
• Wait six weeks to resume sexual activity.
• Follow your doctor's recommendations about returning to your other normal activities.

Life after a hysterectomy

A hysterectomy permanently changes some aspects of your life. For instance:

• You'll no longer have menstrual periods.
• Most of the time, you'll get relief from the symptoms that made your surgery necessary.
• You won't be able to become pregnant.
• If you're premenopausal, having your ovaries removed along with a hysterectomy starts menopause.
• If you have a hysterectomy before menopause and you keep your ovaries, you may experience menopause at a younger than average age.
• If you have a partial hysterectomy, your cervix remains in place, so you're still at risk of cervical cancer. You need regular Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer.

Other parts of your life will likely return to normal or perhaps improve once you've recovered from your hysterectomy. For example:

• If you had a good sex life before a hysterectomy, chances are you'll maintain it afterward. Some women even experience more sexual pleasure after a hysterectomy. This may be due to relief from the chronic pain or heavy bleeding that was caused by a uterine problem.
• The relief of symptoms may greatly enhance your quality of life. You may have an improved sense of well-being and a chance to get on with your life.

On the other hand, you may feel a sense of loss after hysterectomy. Premenopausal women who must have a hysterectomy to treat gynecologic cancer may experience grief and possibly depression over the loss of fertility. If sadness or negative feelings begin to interfere with your enjoyment of everyday life, talk with your doctor.