Medically reviewed by
Monica Ploetzke, MD
McLeod Women’s Care Clarendon

Millions of women face gynecological surgery every year. To increase the likelihood of success and decrease the chance of complications, each patient needs to consider certain emotional and physical preparations prior to a procedure.

“There’s a certain amount of stress involved when a woman is facing surgery, even if the results will improve her lifestyle,” says McLeod gynecologist Monica Ploetzke, MD. “Your personal gynecologist may have some specific recommendations for you and will likely discuss pain management, but here are some general thoughts to help you prepare.”

MENTAL & EMOTIONAL PREP

If they haven’t already, ask your GYN to explain the procedure and how it’s done. Some procedures require an overnight stay in the hospital, while some can be performed in your GYN’s office. An increasing number of surgeries are performed with a few small incisions (known as minimally invasive surgery), and others are performed using robotic assistance for more complex movements, resulting in less pain and a faster recovery.

• Find out about the type of general or local anesthesia that is used, and what, if any, after-effects you can expect.
• You may have questions about recovery time and how you can recuperate safely and expeditiously.
• Don’t hesitate to ask your GYN how the surgery will affect your intimacy.
• Relaxation techniques or deep breathing can help you prepare emotionally for the surgery.

PHYSICIAL PREP

• Surgery can strain your lungs. If you smoke, stop prior to your surgery and exercise regularly – even if only walking – to build up your energy and stamina.
• If you have diabetes, discuss with your GYN how to manage this during and after your procedure.
• Before the surgery, some lab, urine or blood tests may be necessary, as well as imaging tests (X-ray, CT).
• The day of surgery, you will be asked to remove any jewelry. Leaving most or all of it at home will give you less to worry about.
• If the procedure is going to limit your flexibility for awhile, you may want to be proactive and rearrange your furniture to ease your movement about the house.

Your GYN may recommend that you bring someone with you on the day of the procedure; you may also want to have a relative or friend look after you at home for several days following surgery.

If you have any questions or want information about your procedure, ask your gynecologist.

Find a Gynecologist near you.