“How soon after a hysterectomy can I be physically active?”
I had a hysterectomy for uterine cancer last month, and I seem to be healing properly. At what time do you think it's okay to resume my physical activities, like swimming?
6 Answers
It depends what kind of hysterectomy you had and how you healed. After seeing your doctor, he will probably allow all the activities after 8 weeks.
You have to get a clearance from your surgeon for resuming your exercises.
Take care!
Take care!
2 weeks
Charles Benjamin Palmer, IV.
OB-GYN (Obstetrician-Gynecologist)
At a minimum, six weeks. Swimming, bathtub baths, lifting more than 10-15 pounds, and sex (anything at all in the vagina) must wait until six weeks AFTER your physician has inspected any incisions and the vaginal "cuff" (This where the cervix USED to be. Showering is fine
The reasoning for the swimming and tub baths, is for dirty water with harmful bacteria not to reach the healing vaginal cuff and cause infection.
The reasoning for not having ANYTHING in the vagina and heavy lifting is so that the stress of those activities does not break a stitch or suture at the vaginal cuff, which could cause many problems which includes bleeding, infection, delayed healing, and worst of all, evisceration (Your intestines come out through your vagina) which is a medical EMERGENCY.
The route of hysterectomy is also important. If you have an abdominal incision, this will take longer to heal than a laparoscopic or robotic procedure.
All and all, take it slow. Even after your six weeks is up, you will still not be physically in the same state as you were prior to surgery. It sometimes takes months to get back to that level.
The reasoning for the swimming and tub baths, is for dirty water with harmful bacteria not to reach the healing vaginal cuff and cause infection.
The reasoning for not having ANYTHING in the vagina and heavy lifting is so that the stress of those activities does not break a stitch or suture at the vaginal cuff, which could cause many problems which includes bleeding, infection, delayed healing, and worst of all, evisceration (Your intestines come out through your vagina) which is a medical EMERGENCY.
The route of hysterectomy is also important. If you have an abdominal incision, this will take longer to heal than a laparoscopic or robotic procedure.
All and all, take it slow. Even after your six weeks is up, you will still not be physically in the same state as you were prior to surgery. It sometimes takes months to get back to that level.
Truly, every surgeon is different. You should ask the doctor that did your surgery. Typically, 6 weeks post-op.
Doug Young, MD
Doug Young, MD
It depends on the kind pf procedure performed. Most minimally invadive procedures such ac the laparoscopic type of ptocefures eg Total or subtotal , the laparoscopic assisted vag hyters, or the robotocally assisted laparoscopic hysters has a shorter recovery time of about 2 weeks. The vaginal hysters usually has about 2 weeks as well.
Generally, the abdominal hysters take 4 to 6 weeks for recovery.
Physical activity much as is subjective I will recommend about 4-6 weeks for the minimally invasive hysters whete incision sites are well healed. The abd approach may require 6 weeks for scar healing to engage in such activities as swimming
At any rate you should discuss these concerns with your physicians before the procedire. Hope this was helpful.
Generally, the abdominal hysters take 4 to 6 weeks for recovery.
Physical activity much as is subjective I will recommend about 4-6 weeks for the minimally invasive hysters whete incision sites are well healed. The abd approach may require 6 weeks for scar healing to engage in such activities as swimming
At any rate you should discuss these concerns with your physicians before the procedire. Hope this was helpful.
