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Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: Your Home Recovery

When you leave the hospital, you’ll receive directions on caring for yourself at home. Following these directions helps to make sure you have a successful and faster recovery. It often takes about 1 to 4 weeks to recover from laparoscopic hysterectomy. But recovery time can vary for each woman.

Taking care of yourself

Man and woman taking groceries out of bags in kitchen.

Follow these tips to make your recovery as safe and comfortable as possible:

  • To prevent constipation, eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Drink plenty of water. Your healthcare provider may advise that you use a laxative or a mild stool softener to ease bowel movements.

  • Ask your friends and family to help with chores and errands while you recover.

  • Don't lift anything over 10 pounds to prevent straining your incisions.

  • Don't get your incisions wet until your healthcare provider says it’s OK to do so.

  • Don't put anything in your vagina until your provider says it’s safe to do so. This includes using tampons and douches and having sex.

  • Schedule follow-up visits with your provider.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider if any of the following occur:

  • Chills or a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised

  • Bright red vaginal bleeding or a smelly discharge

  • Trouble urinating or a burning feeling during urination

  • Severe belly (abdominal) pain or bloating

  • An incision site that is red, swollen, or draining smelly fluid

  • Trouble breathing or fainting

  • Swollen painful leg

Online Medical Reviewer: Robyn Zercher FNP
Online Medical Reviewer: Tennille Dozier RN BSN RDMS
Date Last Reviewed: 9/1/2026
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