Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is an operation to remove your uterus (womb). There are different reasons for having a hysterectomy. And, there are various types of hysterectomies and ways of performing them. Hysterectomy is a very common female surgery, second only to caesarean section, with one in five women in Australia having one. This surgery can be performed at any age, but is most common in women in their forties and fifties.
If you’ve made the decision to have a hysterectomy, you might be thinking and feeling a range of things. Perhaps you’re hopeful, but also a bit nervous. Maybe you’re unsure of what to expect during the recovery phase, or want to know when you can return to the gym.
Expert advice that makes all the difference.
If there’s one thing for sure, having a hysterectomy is a lot easier with expert advice.
Our postgraduate-qualified pelvic health physiotherapists can help you prepare for and recover from your hysterectomy. We’ll cover issues around bladder, bowel and sexual function, pelvic floor muscles, lifting and general exercise. Along with your medical team, we’ll give you the peace of mind you need while preparing for and recovering from your hysterectomy so you can return to living life the way you want to again.
Hysterectomy is one of the most common female surgeries. Fortunately, our postgraduate-qualified pelvic health physios can help you prepare for and recover from your surgery.
Common reasons for hysterectomy
Reasons for needing a hysterectomy can differ, but they might include:
- Heavy or abnormal vaginal bleeding, e.g. from fibroids
- Uterine prolapse
- Severe pelvic pain, e.g. from endometriosis or adenomyosis
- Cancer of the cervix, uterus or ovaries
Types of hysterectomy
Total hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus and cervix
Subtotal hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus but not the cervix
In both cases, the fallopian tubes are often removed as well. Sometimes, but usually not, the ovaries are removed.
There are different ways to perform a hysterectomy:
- Laparoscopic: Keyhole surgery is performed through minor cuts in your abdomen.
- Vaginal: Surgery is performed through your vagina.
- Abdominal: Surgery is performed through a cut in your lower abdomen.
Our Proven Pathway for Supporting Hysterectomy
Discover what matters
You’re assessed as a whole person
We begin by taking the time to learn all about you as a whole person, not just a patient. So, your postgraduate qualified pelvic health physiotherapist will gather the following information:
- QUESTIONNAIRE: You’ll complete a pelvic health questionnaire online before your first visit. This helps us understand about your history, current health concerns and what matters to you.
- 1-on-1 CONSULTATION: Here, we’ll take the time to learn about you and your upcoming hysterectomy. We believe a holistic approach enables us to understand how your specific physical, emotional and lifestyle factors influence your pelvic health.
- THOROUGH ASSESSMENT: This includes an abdominal and pelvic floor examination, bladder diary, bowel diary and questionnaires to understand your thoughts, feelings and environment.
- CONNECTING THE DOTS: Now that we’ve discovered so much about you and your pelvic health, we can explore how it all fits together to help with your hysterectomy preparation and recovery. For example, if you have issues with constipation, we can ensure this doesn’t negatively impact your recovery. Or maybe we’ll need to discuss the importance of a strong pelvic floor in supporting your surgical outcome and preventing other problems.
- SET GOALS: We’ll help you set meaningful pelvic health goals such as:
- Know that I’m doing everything I can to get the best surgical outcome
- Recover quickly from my hysterectomy
- Prevent any new bladder or bowel problems
- Feel confident to return to the gym
- Return to physical intimacy
Restore what matters
You’ll have a personalised pelvic health plan.
This second step is all about taking action. Together, we’ll choose the most suitable, evidence-based treatment options to fit your lifestyle. You’ll learn what to expect from surgery, any recommended lifestyle adjustments during recovery, and how to safely return to your usual activities.
Whether you’re seeing us before or after your hysterectomy, we’ll create a personalised pelvic floor and abdominal muscle program to help these vital muscles work at their best. This might involve building strength, improving endurance, or simply learning how to use your muscles effectively when you need to.
We’ll also work with you to plan a gradual return to the activities and exercises you enjoy. And if any bladder, bowel or intimacy concerns arise, we’re here to help with those, too – every step of the way. We’ll also give you useful resources and tools to help you progress. You’ll be armed with all the things!
ABOUT YOUR APPOINTMENTS: Together, we’ll work out how often we should see each other. We’ll agree on what works best for you, your commitments and your finances.
Enjoy what matters
You’ll be living your best life.
The third and final step is about ensuring you achieve all the meaningful goals you set at the beginning – so that you can live your best life. Once you’ve recovered from your surgery, you might even find you can embrace new possibilities that you hadn’t considered, such as a new sport or social group – or travelling overseas. You’ll be equipped with good bladder and bowel habits and have the confidence in your body to take on whatever you choose.
Sometimes, though, life’s unexpected events might mean you’d like to return for a reset. You may get a nasty virus, or you might develop bladder issues. Whatever the case, we’ll always be here to help you.
Read about Gwen 68 yrs
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Pelvic Health Matters
New name.
Same exceptional care.
Formerly known as Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapy, our new name reflects both what we believe in and what we do. We have an unwavering belief that pelvic health matters for everyone, at every stage of life.
Same phone number: 03 8823 8300
New email: physio@pelvichealth.com.au