Abdominal hysterectomy Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, December 2008.
Answers to questions about abdominal hysterectomy
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- How can I tell if I have developed an infection after my hysterectomy?
- How long will it be before I can return to work after I have had my hysterectomy?
- Will having a hysterectomy bring on the menopause?
How can I tell if I have developed an infection after my hysterectomy?
If you had been making a good recovery after your operation but start to feel unwell and develop a fever, then you may have an infection. Your wound may become red and inflamed, and there may be some discharge coming from it. If you have any of these symptoms, you should see your GP.
Explanation
You will experience some pain and discomfort after your hysterectomy. Your surgeon should give you some painkillers to help reduce this. You may need to take these painkillers for up to two weeks. As time goes on you should gradually feel less pain, but it may get worse if you're tired or have had a particularly busy day.
If your pain gets worse for no reason and you feel unwell or develop a fever, you may have an infection and should contact your GP. You should also contact your GP for advice if:
- your wound becomes red, tender and hot
- you have a heavy, or unpleasant smelling discharge coming from your wound
- you have a burning feeling when you urinate, or feel like you need to urinate very often
Further information
The Hysterectomy Association
0844 3575917
www.hysterectomy-association.org.uk
Sources
- West C. Understanding hysterectomy and the alternatives. Family Doctor Publications, in association with The British Medical Association, 2002: 32-33, 50-53, 83
How long will it be before I can return to work after I have had my hysterectomy?
You should be able to return to work between six and eight weeks after your operation, but this will depend on how you're feeling and what sort of job you have.
Explanation
The time it takes to recover from your hysterectomy will depend on your general health and whether you developed any complications as a result of the operation. Most women find that they are able to go back to work between six and eight weeks after their surgery. However, this will depend on what kind of job you have. Although it's fine to carry out normal activities, you shouldn't do any heavy lifting until around three months after your hysterectomy. So, if your job involves any heavy manual work or lifting, you will probably have to wait longer before you're able to return to work.
Your GP or surgeon will be able to give you a more accurate idea of when you will be able to return to work. If your employer has an occupational health adviser, he or she may be able to advise you on how to gradually return to your normal duties at work.
Further information
The Hysterectomy Association
0844 3575917
www.hysterectomy-association.org.uk
Sources
- Postoperative time to full activity including work (weeks). GP Notebook. www.gpnotebook.co.uk, accessed 20 August 2008
- West C. Understanding hysterectomy and the alternatives. Family Doctor Publications, in association with The British Medical Association, 2002: 32-33, 50-53, 83
Will having a hysterectomy bring on the menopause?
It depends on whether or not you have your ovaries removed during your hysterectomy. If your ovaries are removed then you will experience the symptoms of the menopause. You may need to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to reduce these symptoms. If you don't have your ovaries removed, your hysterectomy shouldn't bring on any symptoms of the menopause.
Explanation
The menopause occurs when your ovaries naturally stop releasing eggs. This means you will stop having periods. Your ovaries will also stop producing the hormone oestrogen. This causes the symptoms of the menopause, including hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and trouble sleeping.
If you have a hysterectomy but don't have your ovaries removed, they should continue to work until you go through the menopause naturally. However, having a hysterectomy can sometimes make the menopause start sooner than it would naturally. This is called premature menopause and it sometimes happens if the blood supply to your ovaries changes as a result of the operation.
If your ovaries have been removed then your GP may advise you to have hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This will replace the oestrogen that your ovaries are no longer producing, and so reduce the symptoms of the menopause. HRT can be given to you as tablets, skin patches, a skin gel or an implant. Ask your GP or surgeon for further advice on HRT and whether it's suitable for you.
Further information
The Hysterectomy Association
0844 3575917
www.hysterectomy-association.org.uk
Sources
- West C. Understanding hysterectomy and the alternatives. Family Doctor Publications, in association with The British Medical Association, 2002: 32-33, 50-53, 83
- Menopause. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 20 August 2008
- Oats J, Abraham S. Fundamentals of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 8th ed: Elsevier Mosby, 2005: 237
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: December 2008
Abdominal hysterectomy factsheet
Visit the abdominal hysterectomy health factsheet for more information.
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