After surgery
Details related to the time you will spend in hospital after surgery and your post-operative plan will depend on your surgical site. Ask your surgeon for details related to your recovery.
You will likely receive painkillers and antibiotics to prevent infection. Your surgeon will provide you with a list of medications to avoid around the time of your surgery.
During the healing process you can expect:
- Some bleeding
- Swelling of the genital region
- Bruising in your genital region
- Itching and occasional small, shooting electrical sensations as the nerve endings heal
- Small scars on your genitals that will disappear over time
The number of check-ups needed varies from person to person. If possible, see your primary care provider about a week after you return from surgery and then every 2 to 4 weeks for the first few months. When you visit your surgeon or primary care provider, they should check your surgical sites to make sure there are no infections or wound healing problems. They will ask questions about pain, bleeding, urination, bowel movements, fever and how you are feeling physically and emotionally.
Recovery time varies from person to person, so always follow the advice of your surgeon. You'll be on bed rest for at least 24 hours following surgery and will need plenty of rest in the first week. Over the three weeks following surgery, you will gradually resume your usual activities. Some activities, such as driving, heavy lifting, exercise, sex and soaking in hot tubs, may be restricted in the post-operative period. Your surgeon will give you advice about when it is okay to resume these activities.