How Long Should You Rest After a Hysteroscopy?

A hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to investigate problems, diagnose conditions, and treat problems and conditions. If you’re on the fence about getting this procedure because you’re worried about how long the recovery process will take, you’re not alone. Today, our experts at Lively Wellness and Aesthetics in Odessa, TX are taking a closer look at the recovery process, including how long you will need to rest.

How Long Should You Rest After a Hysteroscopy?

You should rest as long as you feel you need to after a hysteroscopy. However, you don’t have to worry about having to take a lot of PTO. Some women go back to work on the same day as their procedure, and most women are back to work the day after their procedure. Nonetheless, you should be aware that you may feel the need to take a few days off from work to rest if this procedure is used for fibroid removal rather than a diagnostic or otherwise investigative purpose.

How Soon After My Procedure Can I Have Sex?

It is highly advisable that vaginal penetration does not occur during the first seven days following your procedure. This procedure is extremely safe and performed in a sterile environment. However, having sex can result in vaginal tearing and infection while you are healing from your procedure.

How Soon After My Procedure Can I Bathe?

You will need to wait until the day after your procedure to bathe. However, it is okay to shower on the same day as your procedure. Just take note of how you’re feeling before you shower. If you can still feel the effects of the anesthesia you were given, you may want someone to help you shower. If nobody is available to help you, wait until you feel better.

What Should My Post-Op Diet Look Like?

There is no special diet required after a hysteroscopy. However, you should do your best to eat nutritiously. If you focus on staying hydrated and consuming plenty of protein and vitamin C, the collagen in your skin will facilitate rapid healing. If you find you do not have much of an appetite while the effects of the anesthesia wear off, eat light, nutritious meals or sip on protein-dense, vitamin-rich, hydrating smoothies.

Note that you may need to alter your diet a little during your recovery. You should not consume alcohol during the first 24 hours post-op, especially if you are given a general anesthetic. Furthermore, you may want to increase your soluble fiber intake, particularly if general anesthesia is used.

How Soon After My Procedure Can I Drive?

We will advise you on how soon after your procedure you can drive during your initial consultation. Depending on the scope of your procedure, you may be given a local anesthetic. If you don’t get a sedative in addition to a local anesthetic, it may be safe for you to drive yourself home. However, you will need a ride home if you feel drowsy from the local anesthetic. You will not be able to drive for at least 24 hours if you are given a general anesthetic.

Can I Exercise After My Procedure?

You may be able to resume some physical activity after your procedure. However, some physical activities should be avoided. For example, you should go 24 to 48 hours without lifting anything that weighs more than a gallon of milk. You should also avoid vigorous aerobic activity and pushing objects, like a vacuum cleaner.

You will be able to climb stairs after your procedure, but you may want someone to help you during the first 24 hours post-op if you receive general anesthesia. Note that it is not unusual to feel tired during the first 24 to 72 hours post-op. If you don’t feel like getting a lot of exercise, that is okay. However, you should also note that gentle aerobic activity will help you recover faster.

How Much Exercise Is Advisable?

During the first 24 hours post-op, you should take short walks around your house or backyard whenever you feel up to it. Walking is great for your cardiovascular system, a very important system in the recovery process. Just make sure that you don’t push yourself too hard. If you start to feel fatigued, take a break.

You should not be surprised if your endurance is reduced during the first day or two after surgery. You may want to make a note of how far you walk each time and set a goal for yourself to walk a little farther or longer each time you go for a walk.

Get in Touch

The bottom line is that recovery time after a hysteroscopy is minimal. You should rest as long as you feel is necessary, but you shouldn’t be surprised if you feel ready to go to work and resume the rest of your usual activities the day after your minimally invasive procedure. If you’d like to learn more about this procedure, we’re here for you. Contact us today at Lively Wellness and Aesthetics in Odessa, TX to schedule an initial consultation.