Your recovery time after a hysterectomy will depend on the type of surgery you had, your age and general health. In most cases, you will feel better within 6 weeks.
 | Rest upTake things easy for the first few weeks after the surgery and only do what is comfortable. Ask family or friends to help you with household chores so you can rest as much as you need to. |
 | Activity and exerciseWalk regularly if your doctors say it is okay to do so. Gentle exercise can help speed up recovery. Speak to your doctor about when you can start more vigorous exercise or go swimming. |
 | WorkDepending on the type of work you do, you will probably need up to 4–6 weeks leave from your job. |
 | LiftingAvoid heavy lifting for about a month, although this will depend on the type of surgery you had. |
 | SexYou’ll need to avoid sexual intercourse for at least 6 weeks to give the vaginal wound time to heal properly. |
More resources
Dr Pearly Khaw, Lead Radiation Oncologist, Gynae-Tumour Stream, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Dr Deborah Neesham, Gynaecological Oncologist, The Royal Women’s Hospital and Frances Perry House, VIC; Kate Barber, 13 11 20 Consultant, VIC; Dr Alison Davis, Medical Oncologist, Canberra Hospital, ACT; Krystle Drewitt, Consumer; Shannon Philp, Nurse Practitioner, Gynaecological Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and The University of Sydney Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, NSW; Dr Robyn Sayer, Gynaecological Oncologist Cancer Surgeon, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Megan Smith, Senior Research Fellow, Cancer Council NSW; Melissa Whalen, Consumer.
We also thank the health professionals, consumers and editorial teams who have worked on previous editions of this title.
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