Quick Answer
Most doctors recommend waiting at least 48 hours or until the drainage tubes have been removed before taking a shower after a hysterectomy. However, some surgeons may advise waiting longer, up to 5-7 days, before getting the incision site wet. When you are cleared to shower, it’s important to keep it brief and avoid vigorously scrubbing or soaking the incision area. Ensure the wound is fully dry afterwards and monitor for signs of infection. With your surgeon’s approval, gentle showers can typically be resumed around 2 weeks after surgery.
When Can I Shower After Hysterectomy Surgery?
After having a hysterectomy, one of the first questions many patients have is when they will be allowed to shower and bathe again. Here is an overview of the typical showering timeline after a hysterectomy procedure:
Immediately After Surgery
Do not shower immediately after a hysterectomy. Wait until any drainage tubes have been removed from the incision site and you have been cleared by your surgeon, which is usually about 48 hours post-op. Showering too soon can disturb the surgical area and surgical wounds while they are fresh and healing.
48 Hours After Surgery
Many doctors recommend waiting at least 48 hours after a hysterectomy before showering. This allows time for the initial surgical wounds to begin healing and reduces the risk of getting the area wet prematurely. Any stitches, staples, or drainage tubes need to be removed first as well.
5-7 Days After Surgery
Some surgeons recommend avoiding showers for 5-7 days after a hysterectomy, depending on the nature of the surgery and how the incisions are healing. This longer waiting period allows the surgical wounds more time to close up initially before getting them wet.
After 2 Weeks
By 2 weeks after a hysterectomy, most patients are able to resume gentle showers as long as the incisions are healing properly and any stitches have been removed. The wounds have had time to partially seal up by this point. Continue to avoid soaking and vigorously scrubbing the healing incisions.
Precautions When Showering After Hysterectomy
When you are cleared to start showering after hysterectomy surgery, you will need to take some precautions to protect the healing incision site:
Keep Showers Brief
Only shower for 5-10 minutes at first after hysterectomy surgery. Extended exposure to hot water can cause dizziness or fainting. Long showers also increase the risk of prolonged moisture to the healing incision.
Use Mild Soap
Avoid harsh soaps, body washes, or cleansing products on or near the incision for several weeks after surgery. The hysterectomy wound needs time to fully close and seal up. Only use mild, fragrance-free soaps recommended by your surgeon.
Don’t Soak the Incision
Don’t let the stream of water directly hit or soak the hysterectomy incision. Either face away from the shower stream or gently shield the area with your hand to keep it dryer. Avoid baths, hot tubs, or swimming until given the go-ahead by your doctor.
Gently Pat Dry
Carefully pat the hysterectomy wound dry after showering with a clean towel. Do not rub vigorously over the incision. Make sure the area is fully dry to prevent infection. Use a blow dryer on a cool, low setting if needed.
Watch for Signs of Infection
Monitor the incision after showering for any signs of complications like redness, swelling, oozing, warmth, or foul odor. Report any concerns to your doctor right away as a post-hysterectomy infection may require antibiotics.
When Can I Take a Bath After Hysterectomy?
Many patients also wonder when they can resume taking baths after recovering from a hysterectomy procedure. Here are some general bathing guidelines following hysterectomy surgery:
No Baths Initially
Avoid taking baths for at least 2 weeks after a hysterectomy. The warm water carries a high risk of introducing bacteria into the fresh surgical wound. Wait until your doctor confirms the hysterectomy incision has fully sealed up.
Brief, Shallow Baths
Once approved to bathe after hysterectomy surgery, keep baths short and shallow initially. Do not soak for more than 15 minutes in lukewarm water up to your hips or waist at first. Avoid submerging the healing hysterectomy incisions.
No Additives
Do not add bath oils, bubbles, or bath salts to the water, as these can irritate the healing tissue. Plain water is best for the first few baths until the hysterectomy wound has closed up.
Clean Tub First
Be sure to clean and disinfect the bathtub prior to your first post-hysterectomy bath to prevent bacterial contamination of the incision site. Add a capful of bleach to the empty tub and rinse thoroughly.
Dry & Monitor Site
Carefully pat the hysterectomy incision dry after bathing and inspect for any signs of wound separation, new bleeding, or infection. Report any concerns or unusual symptoms to your surgeon promptly.
Factors That Determine When You Can Shower
The specific timing of when it is safe to shower after a hysterectomy depends on several factors:
Type of Hysterectomy
The type of hysterectomy surgery performed impacts how soon you can get the incision wet. With a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy, showers may be allowed sooner than with an abdominal hysterectomy involving a larger abdominal wall incision.
Extent of Surgery
If other procedures like ovarian removal or lymph node dissection were done during your hysterectomy, your surgeon may recommend waiting longer before showering to allow adequate initial healing. More extensive surgery causes increased trauma to the area.
Closing Method
How the hysterectomy incisions were closed also determines showering timeframes. Incisions closed with sutures or staples require keeping dry longer than if surgical glue was used. Absorbable stitches typically take weeks to fully dissolve.
Drainage Tubes
Any drainage tubes coming out of the hysterectomy incisions cannot get wet. Showering must wait until after the tubes are removed, usually 24-48 hours after surgery. This allows time for some initial wound sealing first.
Healing Rate
How well the hysterectomy wounds are healing impacts timeframes. If healing is delayed or complications like infections occur, your doctor may recommend waiting longer before showering to prevent further problems. Frequent wound checks are key.
Doctor Recommendations
Ultimately, the guidance of your surgeon should dictate when it is safe to shower after hysterectomy surgery based on your specific circumstances and recovery process. Strictly follow all of your doctor’s post-op showering instructions.
Steps for Your First Post-Hysterectomy Shower
When your doctor finally gives you clearance to shower after hysterectomy surgery, you can use these tips for your first gentle post-op wash:
Gather Supplies
Have any wound care supplies, mild soap, a plastic chair, and clean clothes ready in the bathroom before showering after hysterectomy surgery. Adjust the temperature on a warmer setting.
Cover Wound
Protect the hysterectomy incision using plastic wrap secured with tape prior to entering the shower if advised by your surgeon. This keeps the wound completely dry.
Sit While Washing
Place a plastic stool in the shower and remain seated when washing up after your hysterectomy. This prevents dizziness and fatigue. Only stand briefly to rinse.
Use Removeable Shower Head
Use a hand-held, detachable shower head and keep the flow on low. Gently direct the water away from your abdomen and hysterectomy site. Avoid prolonged direct contact.
Limit Hair Washing
Use caution when washing your hair, limiting aggressive scalp scrubbing. Have someone assist you if needed. Move slowly and avoid reaching overhead excessively.
Wash Gently
Use your hands or a soft cloth with mild cleanser to gently wash the skin around (not over) the hysterectomy wound for about a minute. Do not vigorously scrub.
Rinse and Dry
Carefully rinse away soap residue, then gently pat incisions dry with a fresh towel. Inspect the area before dressing any wounds. Report any concerns to your doctor promptly.
When to Call the Doctor About Post-Hysterectomy Showering
Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of the following concerns related to showering after a hysterectomy:
Heavy Bleeding
If the hysterectomy wound starts heavily bleeding after showering, apply firm pressure and call your doctor. Some minor seeping is normal, but heavy bleeding may require prompt treatment.
Intense Pain
Feeling sudden, severe pain when showering after a hysterectomy needs medical attention. It may signal an internal complication like an organ injury or pelvic infection.
Oozing Discharge
Notice any cloudy, foul-smelling fluid or pus draining from the hysterectomy incision after getting it wet in the shower. This can indicate an infection.
Incision Separation
If the hysterectomy wound edges separate after showering or bathing, call your doctor. The surgical repair may have broken down and need to be treated to prevent infection.
Non-Healing Sore
If the hysterectomy incision becomes an open, reddened sore that persists despite careful showering, you may have a wound infection or abscess requiring antibiotics.
Feeling Ill
Seek medical advice if you develop a fever, chills, nausea, or other ill feelings after showering following your hysterectomy. These could signal an underlying post-surgical complication.
Conclusion
Showering after hysterectomy surgery requires some caution once your doctor gives you clearance to get the incision wet. Typically bathing can be resumed around 48 hours post-op as long as any drainage tubes have been removed. However, many surgeons advise waiting 5-7 days or longer before introducing water directly to the hysterectomy site. When you are approved to shower after hysterectomy surgery, take brief, gentle showers using mild cleansers. Avoid soaking the incisions and pat the area completely dry. Report any signs of wound complications like bleeding or infection to your doctor promptly. With your surgeon’s guidance, most women can gradually return to gentle showers and baths around 2 weeks after a hysterectomy procedure as the incision continues to heal.