What is a hysterectomy? A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of a woman's uterus or womb. There are various reasons for why your gynaecologist may perform hysterectomy surgery and a range of different hysterectomy procedures that may be used:
A total hysterectomy (or complete hysterectomy) involves the surgical removal of the uterus and cervix (ring of muscle at the base of the uterus)
A partial hysterectomy (or subtotal hysterectomy) involves the surgical removal of the uterus without removing the cervix.
Hysterectomy procedures The hysterectomy procedure used varies according to the medical reason for your surgery. The type of surgery performed will affect your recovery time after a hysterectomy. There are a range of different hysterectomy procedures that can be performed including:
Promoting your recovery after a hysterectomy You can minimise the risk of post operative hysterectomy complications and avoid some potential side effects of a hysterectomy through rest and appropriate exercise. Read more about hysterectomy recovery, or download our Recovery from Hysterectomy information sheet(pdf).
Pelvic floor exercises after a hysterectomy Your pelvic floor muscles should work to support your insides post hysterectomy. These muscles also assist your bladder and bowel storage and emptying. A weak floppy pelvic floor will not work well to support your internal organs and stitches after your hysterectomy. It makes good sense to train your pelvic floor muscles into their best possible condition to prepare for hysterectomy surgery. After a hysterectomy, check with your gynaecologist regarding his/her preference for when you are able to commence gentle pelvic floor exercises.
Since your pelvic floor muscles are hidden from view inside your body, performing correct pelvic floor exercises can seem mysterious and confusing. If you are at all uncertain about how to perform your pelvic floor exercises using the correct technique after a hysterectomy, contact a physiotherapist or continence advisor to help you to find and train these important muscles. "Tone up your pelvic floor", Chapter 2 of Inside Out - The essential guide to pelvic support guides you through finding your pelvic floor muscles and training them into their best possible condition, and a range of pelvic floor exercise aids are available to assist you. Regular pelvic floor exercises should be part of your weekly routine to keep your pelvic floor healthy and working as it should.
Disclaimer This hysterectomy recovery information is intended as general information and is not a substitute for medical consultation or advice. Consult your gynecologist before beginning this or any other exercise program after your hysterectomy surgery. The author has undertaken to ensure the accuracy of this material however no promise expressed or implied concerning its content is made. To the extent permitted by law, neither Healthy Fit Solutions Pty Ltd, as trustee for the P & M Kenway Family Trust (" we "), nor any of our officers, employees, agents or related bodies corporate will be liable in any way (including for negligence) for any loss, damage, costs or expenses suffered by you or claims made against you through your use of, or in connection with, this hysterectomy recovery information (the "Product"). Although we use our best efforts to provide accurate information and other materials on this Product, the Product is provided "as-is". To the extent permitted by law, all warranties, conditions and representations provided about or by the Product are excluded.
