Your recovery time will depend on the type of surgery you had, your age and general health. In most cases, you will feel better within 1–2 weeks and should be able to fully return to usual activities after 4–8 weeks.
 | Rest upWhen you get home from hospital, you will need to take things easy for the first week. Ask family or friends to help you with chores so you can rest as much as you need to. |
 | LiftingAvoid heavy lifting (more than 3–4 kg) for 4–6 weeks, depending on the advice of your surgeon. This will depend on the method of the surgery. |
 | WorkDepending on the nature of your job, you will probably need 4–6 weeks leave from work. People who have laparoscopic surgery and have office jobs that don’t require heavy lifting can often return to work after 2–4 weeks. |
 | DrivingYou will need to avoid driving after the surgery until pain in no way limits your ability to move freely. Discuss this issue with your doctor. Check with your car insurer for any exclusions regarding major surgery and driving. |
 | Bowel problemsIt is important to avoid straining during bowel motions. Continue to manage constipation as advised by your treatment team. |
 | NutritionTo help your body recover from surgery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of foods. Include proteins such as lean meat, fish, eggs, milk, yoghurt, nuts, and legumes/beans. |
 | BathingYour doctor may advise taking showers instead of baths for 4–5 weeks after surgery. |
 | ExerciseYour treatment team will probably encourage you to walk the day of the surgery. Exercise has been shown to help people manage some treatment side effects and speed up a return to usual activities. Speak to your doctor about suitable exercise. To avoid infection, it’s best to avoid swimming for 4–5 weeks after surgery. |
 | SexSexual intercourse should be avoided for up to 8 weeks after surgery. Ask your doctor or nurse when you can have sex again, and explore other ways you and your partner can be intimate, such as massage. |
More resources
A/Prof Jim Nicklin, Director, Gynaecological Oncology, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, and Associate Professor Gynaecologic Oncology, The University of Queensland, QLD; Dr Robyn Cheuk, Senior Radiation Oncologist, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, QLD; Prof Michael Friedlander, Medical Oncologist, The Prince of Wales Hospital and Conjoint Professor of Medicine, The University of NSW, NSW; Kim Hobbs, Clinical Specialist Social Worker, Gynaecological Cancer, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Adele Hudson, Statewide Clinical Nurse Consultant, Gynaecological Oncology Service, Royal Hobart Hospital, TAS; Dr Anthony Richards, Gynaecological Oncologist, The Royal Women’s Hospital and Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital, VIC; Georgina Richter, Gynaecological Oncology Clinical Nurse Consultant, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA; Deb Roffe, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA.
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