Hysterectomy: What You Need to Know

At Diana Health, we care about your physical and emotional health and experience. As you prepare for your hysterectomy, you may have a variety of questions about what to expect and how to prepare for your procedure. Below is some information that will help you better understand what a hysterectomy is, the surgical procedure itself, and routine pre and post-operative instructions. Your healthcare provider will review all the necessary information with you when you meet. If you have any questions along the way, please don’t hesitate to ask. We care about you and want you to feel as comfortable as possible as you approach having this procedure. We are only a call away and will be there with you throughout this process. Our doctors are experts at surgical procedures such as hysterectomies, and you can rest assured that you are in good hands.

Take time to notice your emotions around having a hysterectomy. The loss of one’s uterus can sometimes be emotional. If you feel this way, know that you are not alone. It is normal for some women to experience grief. We have therapists who can help you process these emotions if this would be helpful for you. 

If your Diana Healthcare team gives you any instructions that vary from what is below, please follow those instructions or modifications to this guide, as they know your medical history and the specifics about your upcoming procedure. 

What is a Hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure where the uterus (womb) is removed. Along with a hysterectomy, ovaries may or may not be removed. If the ovaries are both removed, this is called a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (don’t worry – we won’t ask you to pronounce it!).

Why may I need a Hysterectomy?

Hysterectomies are done for a variety of reasons. Some include heavy or irregular bleeding, fibroids that are causing symptoms, precancerous or cancerous cells in the uterus or cervix, and in association with surgeries done for urinary incontinence. 

Different Types of Hysterectomies

• Vaginal Hysterectomy: The uterus is removed through incisions in the vagina without any incisions in the abdomen.
• Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy: The uterus is still removed through incisions in the vagina, but a laparoscope assists the doctor with the surgery. Small incisions are made in the abdomen, allowing for a small light, camera, and tools to assist with the hysterectomy.
• Abdominal Hysterectomy: The uterus is removed through an incision on the abdomen. Depending on the uterus’s size and the surgery’s reason, the incision may be horizontal or vertical. 
• Robotic Hysterectomy: A robot is used to assist your doctor with the surgery. The robot is controlled by your doctor, who is in the room during the entire surgery. Robotic surgery allows surgery to be done with small incisions, which often means quicker recovery. The small incisions allow for a small camera, light, and instruments to be inserted that allows the surgery to be performed. 
• Supracervical hysterectomy: Sometimes the uterus is removed, but the cervix (the part of the uterus that opens into the vagina) is left in place. 

Pre-Operation (Pre-Op)

Prior to your surgery you will talk with your doctor as well as one of the Diana Health nurses or medical assistants to ensure that you understand how to best prepare for your hysterectomy. Ideally we would like for you to be as healthy as possible prior to your surgery, so try to eat foods that nourish you, get adequate physical activity (but don’t start a vigorous new exercise routine), and get plenty of sleep. 

A prescription may be sent to your pharmacy for you to fill prior to your surgery so that you have the medication available once you return from the hospital. Also, you will want to bring a support person with you to the surgery so that they can talk to your healthcare provider after the procedure and be there to help you remember any follow-up instructions as well as drive you home when you are discharged. 

Most likely, you will be asked to not eat or drink anything after midnight the night prior to your surgery. The morning of your surgery, take a shower but do not shave. Remove any jewelry or piercings as these are best to leave at home. If you wear contacts, bring or wear your glasses instead. Leave all valuables at home. Decide who will be driving you to and from your surgery. Wear comfortable clothes that are not restrictive so that they can easily be put on after surgery and won’t be constrictive, especially around your abdomen and pelvis. If you are spending the night at the hospital or surgical center there is not a lot that you need to bring as they will likely have everything that you need for your stay. However, you may want to pack your own toothbrush and toothpaste, favorite slippers, a robe, or anything else that would help you to feel more comfortable. Someone from anesthesia will talk with you before surgery and may give you a medication to help you relax. 

Hysterectomy Recovery

• The recovery from surgery depends upon the type of hysterectomy performed, your personal health condition, and the circumstances surrounding your surgery. Many women are able to have their hysterectomy done as an outpatient where they do not need to spend the night in the hospital. However, an overnight stay in the hospital or surgery center is sometimes needed to support recovery. 
• After returning home, the recovery period continues. Your doctor will let you know when you can resume your normal physical activities. You will likely not be able to drive for at least a week and until you are off narcotic pain medications. You will be told to abstain from sexual intercourse and vigorous exercise initially. Most people are sore for a few days to weeks but recover quickly. 
• You may bathe or shower but keep your incision dry. You can use a cool blow-dryer to help. 
• Your doctor will send you home with medications to help you with pain management during recovery. If you have any problems after going home such as a temperature greater than 100.5, heavy bleeding, severe pain or other concerns, you should seek care and reach out immediately. 
• Make sure to keep your post-operative follow-up appointment with your Diana Health provider. 

Menopause and Bleeding

• When the uterus is removed, menstruation no longer occurs. This does not necessarily mean that a woman has gone through menopause. 
• Any bleeding that occurs after a hysterectomy should be discussed with a healthcare provider. 
• If a woman has not gone through menopause before her hysterectomy and both ovaries are removed, she will go through menopause due to the surgery. She and her healthcare provider can discuss whether or not she will use hormone replacement therapy to help with symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. 
• If a woman has not gone through menopause prior to her hysterectomy and her ovaries were not removed, she will not go through surgical menopause. 

At Diana Health we care about your entire experience, from the moment you consider having a hysterectomy until you are fully recovered. We are only a phone call away. Please reach out with any questions or if you have any unexpected symptoms or if you need any assistance. Never worry alone. We will be here with you each step of the way, through this procedure and as your health journey continues long beyond this procedure. 

A surgical procedure is also a great period in your life to reassess your wellbeing. If you decide that you want to focus on your overall health prior and/or after your surgery, we have experts to guide you. Whether it’s healthier eating, moving more, handling life’s stress in a healthy way, sleeping more, or supporting your mental health. We also have group classes as well as a wellness coach that is eager to support you if you want to embrace a healthier lifestyle as you move along your wellbeing journey. At Diana Health, we are here for you every step of the way.