If your doctor has prescribed a hysterectomy as the best form of treatment for your condition, believe it is for good reason. Undoubtedly, your doctor has tried several different other methods to resolve your concerns and feels that this surgery will provide you with the greatest benefit. 

However, even with all this due diligence, it is normal to have apprehensions about this surgery. These worries are only further intensified when myths about surgery and recovery are introduced. It is essential you ignore these myths and instead speak closely with your surgeon.

Menopause Is Triggered Right Away

You may have heard horror stories that as soon as a hysterectomy is performed, menopause is triggered right away. There is some level of truth to this idea. Fully functioning ovaries are what keep menopause at bay. For women who have a partial hysterectomy, which only involves the removal of the uterus, this issue is not a concern. 

Yet, when a woman has a complete hysterectomy, which involves the removal of the uterus and the ovaries, menopause is triggered. However, your surgeon and provider team can prescribe you with medication right away to help make this transition easier. 

Recovery Is Extensive

Many decades ago, the road to recovery after a hysterectomy may have been extensive, but this experience is not common in recent times. Depending on the reason for the procedure and the type of hysterectomy being performed, a robotic, vaginal, or laparoscopic procedure may be able to be performed, in place of a traditional abdominal procedure.

For many women, these more modern methods are less invasive, and as a result, come with a reduced recovery period that is also less painful.

Intimacy Is No Longer the Same

The female productive system is complex and made up of many different parts. As a result, a hysterectomy will have no impact on a women's ability to be intimate with her partner in the long term. However, it is important to note that intimacy will need to cease until you have been cleared by a doctor. 

How long you have to wait for clearance is dependent on whether or not you had a partial or total hysterectomy; if you had the latter, you may need closer to two months to heal.

Again, if you have any concerns about this operation, it is important that you discuss them with your surgeon to ensure the information you hold close is accurate.

To learn more about hysterectomies and other surgeries, contact a general surgeon.