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What to expect before and after your hysterectomy

Planning a hysterectomy? What to expect

Are you curious about what happens before and after your hysterectomy? Wondering how to prepare and what to expect during your recovery? Our San Antonio OBGYNs have all the information you need about this usually minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.

Tips to help you prepare for your hysterectomy

One of our goals is to make sure you are well-informed, both before and after your hysterectomy. Here are a few things you can do before your surgery to help ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible.

  • Prearrange childcare; pet care; and help with housework, shopping, cooking and chores for the first few days or weeks after surgery.
  • Ask someone to take you to and from surgery.
  • Make sure that you have loose-fitting clothes and slip-on shoes to take to the hospital or surgery center.
  • Leave your jewelry at home.
  • Ask questions, including how long your surgery will take, so you can prepare yourself and your helper.

What you need to know about recovering from your hysterectomy

Follow these tips before and after your hysterectomy, if you are having minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. If you are having traditional abdominal surgery, talk to our San Antonio OBGYNs about what to expect.

  • A typical recovery usually takes about two to four weeks.
  • Use panty liners or pads for post-surgical bleeding or discharge, instead of tampons.
  • Don’t lift anything that weighs more than 10 pounds, for four to six weeks minimum.
  • Abstain from sexual intercourse for six to eight weeks.
  • Don’t take baths or use hot tubs or swimming pools for at least six weeks.
  • Expect to return to work in two to four weeks, depending on your job description.

If you have any other questions about what you need to know about your minimally invasive or traditional hysterectomy, please ask.

Our team is with you all the way – before and after your hysterectomy

You can count on every member of our team to answer your questions and provide compassionate care. From our administrative support team to our medical providers, everyone is eager to assist you in any way possible. We care not only about your physical health, but also about your mental health. If you feel anxious or depressed, talk to us.

Our San Antonio OBGYNs expertly perform minimally invasive gynecologic surgery

In almost every case, our OBGYNs perform minimally invasive hysterectomies that provide benefits such as faster recovery, fewer complications and shorter hospital stays. Our surgeons have the skill and expertise to perform traditional and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. Contact us to make an appointment, or talk to our nurses or physicians if you have questions about what to expect before and after your hysterectomy.