You've just been through a tough experience.
Your wife has had a hysterectomy, and you're probably feeling a range of emotions: sadness, worry, confusion. Maybe you're feeling a little lost, wondering what this means for your relationship and your life.
A hysterectomy is no walk in the park, and your wife is probably feeling pretty down after the procedure. If this hits home for you, and you're currently going through this process with your wife, don't despair!
There are ways to help your wife through this tough time and even make the best of it. Here, we'll walk you through some useful advice for husbands after a hysterectomy.
You're not Alone in This!
First and foremost, it's important to remember that you're not alone in this. In the United States, about 600,000 Hysterectomies are performed every year. So you are far from alone in this Hysterectomy husband club!
Take comfort in knowing that there are others out there just like you who are going through the same thing. And while it may feel tough right now, it's important to remember that this is just a phase, and it will eventually end, and things will return to normal.
Advice for Husbands after a Hysterectomy
You're your wife's biggest support system, regardless of whether she's just had a hysterectomy or not. So, it is important to be there for her every step of the way. Here are some practical pieces of advice for you after your wife's hysterectomy procedure:
Understand what a hysterectomy is all about
The first step in being supportive after your wife's hysterectomy is to educate yourself on what the surgery entails.
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus and sometimes the cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes. Often, hysterectomies are performed as a last resort after other treatments, such as medication or radiation, have failed.
Support Her in Her Recovery Period
Healing after the surgery is a process that takes some time. Your support during her recovery period is crucial.
She might still experience some pain and discomfort directly after the surgery, but you can expect her to start feeling much better within a few days. However, full recovery time is typically about six weeks.
Until then, she needs need your help and support. It's essential to be patient throughout recovery and ensure she follows the surgeon's instructions, as this will help her recover more quickly.
Be Prepared for Physical and Emotional Changes
After a hysterectomy, your wife is going through some physical changes. She may have less energy and need to take things easy for around six weeks. There will certainly be body changes after the uterus removal.
She may also experience vaginal bleeding and discharge for up to six weeks. This is completely normal, and is no reason for alarm.
If you notice her acting differently, it may be because of the emotional changes she's experiencing.
It's not uncommon for women to feel sad, anxious, or even depressed after a hysterectomy. This is often due to the loss of reproductive organs and hormones because she can no longer get pregnant after a hysterectomy. Be prepared to support your wife emotionally during this time.
Don't Give up on Your Sex Life
After a hysterectomy, it's okay to maintain a healthy sex life with your partner. However, this may be difficult due to pain or changes in her body. Listen to her needs and respond accordingly.
It's possible she doesn't have as much sex drive as before the hysterectomy. But it's important to keep trying to maintain intimacy. You can experiment with different positions and find ways to make it more comfortable for her.
Even if things are slow initially and you feel a difference, don't give up hope. Hysterectomy may be a big adjustment for couples, but it doesn't mean the end of your sex life. With time and patience, you can find a way to make things work for both of you.
Be There for Her
The hysterectomy recovery process can be long and difficult, so your wife will need help with household chores or caring for the kids.
Do whatever you can to make her life easier. This may include cooking, cleaning, or running errands. Let her know that you are there for her and that you are willing to help out however you can.
Compliment Her Often and Reassure Her of Your Love
Your wife may be feeling self-conscious about her body after the surgery. But, she can begin to feel comfortable in her skin again if you compliment her. Tell her that you still find her attractive even though she may have some physical changes.
Tell her how much you love her and appreciate who she is to you. Let her know that she is still the most important woman in your life. This will help boost her confidence and make her feel better about herself.
Remember all the things you love about her, and compliment her about them. Let her know that you still feel the same way, and that you understand her feminine beauty is not defined by her ovaries and other reproductive organs.
Look on the Bright Side
It's essential to focus on the positive aspects of the situation. Hysterectomy can have some benefits for both husband and wife. Think increased sex drive, for instance. Studies show that many women admit to having increased libido after the procedure. If your wife is one of those, this could mean more pleasurable sexual experiences for both of you.
Plus, the procedure can put you and your partner's mind at rest if there were any concerns about cancer or other health risks she faced before the hysterectomy.
Positivity is vital during this time. Try to focus on the good things and look forward to the future.
Final Thoughts
If your wife has recently had a hysterectomy, it's essential to be understanding and supportive.
Understand what she's going through, compliment her often, do things to make her life easier, and love her through it all.
With time and patience, you can help your wife adjust to this new chapter in her life. And you can both continue to enjoy a happy and healthy relationship together.
Resources
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss5105a1.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4720466/#ref26
https://www.health.ny.gov/community/adults/women/hysterectomy/
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