HYSTERECTOMY: QUESTIONS OFTEN ASKED

How long should I wait before resuming walking and tennis after having a hysterectomy?

Most women who have had a laparoscopic or vaginal hysterectomy can walk short distances within a week and longer distances after about three weeks. For abdominal hysterectomy, add a further two weeks. From then on, be guided by how you feel. By all means play tennis if this does not unduly distress or tire you.

Will having a hysterectomy improve my sex life?

Some women lose interest in sex after a hysterectomy, but most find no change or an increase in their level of interest. If sex was enjoyable before surgery, it tends to remain so afterwards; if it was never much fun, a hysterectomy usually doesn't change that. The women who tend to find hysterectomy improves their sex life most are those with heavy bleeding, or endometriosis or adhesions which caused pelvic pain during sex. In general, however, hysterectomy is not a solution for sexual difficulties and sometimes it seems to make matters worse. If this occurs and is a worry to you, counselling by a general practitioner, endocrinologist, gynaecologist, psychologist, psychiatrist or sex therapist may prove helpful.

Am I likely to need hormone therapy after an endometrial resection?

No. This operation does not affect your ovaries or hormone balance.

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