While you were in the hospital, you had a vaginal hysterectomy. Your surgeon made a cut in your vagina. Your uterus was removed through this cut.
Your surgeon may have also used a laparoscope (a thin tube with a small camera on it) and other instruments that were inserted into your belly through several small incisions.
Part or all of your uterus was removed. Your fallopian tubes or ovaries may have also been removed. You probably spent 2 nights in the hospital.
It will take at least 3 to 6 weeks to feel better. You will probably get tired easily during this time. You may not feel like eating much.
You will not have any scars on your skin unless your doctor used a laparoscope and other instruments that were inserted through your belly. In that case, you will have 2 to 4 scars less than 1-inch long.
You will likely have light spotting for 2 and 4 weeks. It may be pink, red, or brownish. It should not have a bad odor.
If you had good sexual function before the surgery, you should continue to have good sexual function afterward. If you had problems with severe bleeding before your hysterectomy, sexual function often improves after surgery. If you have a decrease in your sexual function after your hysterectomy, talk with your health care provider about possible causes and treatments.
Slowly increase how much activity you do every day. Take short walks and increase how far you go gradually. Do not jog, do sit-ups, or other sports until you have checked with your doctor.
Do not lift anything heavier than a gallon jug of milk for a few weeks after surgery. Do not drive for the first 2 weeks.
Do not put anything into your vagina for the first 6 weeks. This includes douching or using tampons. Do not start having sexual intercourse for at least 6 weeks, and only after your doctor says it is okay.
If your surgeon also used a laparoscope:
Try eating smaller meals than normal and have healthy snacks in between. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and drink 8 cups of water a day to keep from getting constipated
To manage your pain:
Call your doctor or nurse if:
Vaginal hysterectomy - discharge; Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy - discharge; LAVH - discharge