If your doctor recommended gynecologic surgery, you might be curious about what the recovery process entails. While each surgeon may provide their own specific set of aftercare instructions, there are also a few practical tips you can follow to facilitate a smooth recovery. After your procedure, following the tips below can help you avoid complications and quicken the healing process.

Your Guide to Healing From Gynecologic Surgery 

1. Be Aware of Pain Management

Depending on the nature of your procedure, your doctor may prescribe medications to manage pain. Be sure to take medicine only as directed on the prescription bottle. Avoid mixing alcoholic beverages with medications, and inform your doctor of other medicines you are taking to prevent a serious interaction.

2. Shower Instead Bathing

Unless stated otherwise by your surgeon, you may shower once you feel well enough after your operation. However, you should not enter a bathtub or go swimming, as this could lead to an infection. Wait until your doctor permits you to submerge your body in water.

3. Limit Physical Activity

You may experience fatigue after your surgery, which is completely normal. Resting throughout the day and taking naps as needed is recommended, but your doctor may also encourage you to get up and move to prevent blood clots, pneumonia, and gas pain. Resume daily activities slowly as you heal, and don’t overdo it with any heavy lifting or intense physical exercise.

4. Avoid Activities That Interfere With Healing

It’s crucial to avoid all forms of penetration until the vaginal tissue has healed completely. This includes the insertion of tampons, douches, and sexual activity. Wait until your doctor gives you the approval to resume these activities again.

5. Consume a Normal Diet

After gynecologic surgery, you can continue following a normal diet. You may experience reduced appetite due to anesthesia or pain medication, so try to eat small meals when you can. If you are taking pain medication, be sure to consume enough fiber to avoid constipation. Most importantly, continue to stay hydrated.

6. Schedule a Follow-Up Appointment

Your doctor may require you to schedule a follow-up exam approximately two to six weeks following the operation, depending on the nature of your procedure. It’s critically important to attend this appointment, as your doctor will assess your healing status and inform you of the results. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask any questions.

7. Resume Working When Ready

You should resume working when you have healed, and your pain is minimal or nonexistent. Depending on your occupation, you may return quicker than a person whose job requires heavy lifting or physical activity. Grant yourself ample healing time to prevent further complications.

 

 

If your doctor recommended gynecologic surgery and you are seeking the best team for the procedure, turn to Women’s Wellness Center of New York in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Specializing in minimally-invasive surgical therapies, their team treats fibroids, abnormal pelvic pain and bleeding, and ovarian cysts, among other women’s health conditions. Browse through their services online and read through the doctor’s reviews from satisfied patients. To schedule an appointment, call (646) 754-3300.