COMPREHENSIVE OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY AFTERCARE GUIDE

1. Hysterectomy (Surgical Removal of Uterus) - Aftercare Guide

• Moderate to significant discomfort expected initially
• Prescribed pain medication essential; take as directed
• Prescribed antibiotics prevent infection; take as directed
• Rest is critical for first 2-4 weeks
• Keep incision clean and dry
• No showering for first 24 hours; sponge baths after
• Gentle cleansing acceptable after 24 hours
• Avoid tampons and douching indefinitely
• Avoid sexual activity for 6 weeks minimum
• Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 6-8 weeks
• No swimming or water activities for 2-3 weeks
• Avoid driving for first 1-2 weeks
• Attend all follow-up appointments
• Incision healing typically 2-3 weeks
• Internal healing continues for 6-8 weeks
• Avoid constipation; use stool softeners if needed
• Hormone replacement therapy discussed with physician
• Emotional support may be beneficial
• Hot flashes and mood changes possible post-op
• Gradual return to normal activities
• Return to work typically 4-6 weeks
• Complete recovery typically 8-12 weeks
• Report excessive bleeding, fever, or severe pain immediately
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting may occur initially

2. Myomectomy (Fibroid Removal) - Aftercare Guide

• Mild to moderate discomfort expected
• Prescribed pain medication for discomfort
• Prescribed antibiotics prevent infection; take as directed
• Rest important for first 2-3 weeks
• Keep incision clean and dry
• No showering for first 24 hours; sponge baths after
• Gentle cleansing acceptable after 24 hours
• Avoid tampons for at least 2 weeks
• Avoid douching indefinitely
• Avoid sexual activity for 4-6 weeks
• Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks
• No swimming or water activities for 2-3 weeks
• Light activity resumable after 1 week
• Menstrual periods may resume within 1-2 months
• Attend all follow-up appointments
• Incision healing typically 2-3 weeks
• Internal healing continues for 6-8 weeks
• Pain should steadily improve
• Return to work typically 3-4 weeks
• Complete recovery typically 6-8 weeks
• Fertility preserved with myomectomy
• Report excessive bleeding, fever, or severe pain immediately
• Hysterectomy may be alternative if fibroids return

3. Dilation and Curettage (D&C) - Aftercare Guide

• Mild cramping expected for 24-48 hours
• Light vaginal bleeding or spotting normal for several days
• Pain medication available if needed (usually minimal pain)
• Avoid tampons for at least 1-2 weeks
• Use pads instead of tampons
• Gentle cleansing acceptable; avoid douching
• Avoid sexual activity for 1 week minimum
• Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 1 week
• Avoid swimming and water activities for 1 week
• Avoid driving first 24 hours if sedation was used
• Cramping should resolve within 1-2 days
• Bleeding typically light and decreases over days
• Return to normal activities typically 1-2 weeks
• Menstrual periods resume normally
• Avoid aspirin and NSAIDs unless directed
• Emotional support may be helpful
• Return to work typically within few days
• Report excessive bleeding or severe pain immediately
• Fever may indicate infection; report promptly
• Complete recovery typically 1-2 weeks

4. Vaginal Rejuvenation/Vaginoplasty - Aftercare Guide

• Significant discomfort and swelling expected
• Prescribed pain medication essential; take as directed
• Keep incision clean and dry
• No showering for first 48 hours; sponge baths after
• Gentle cleansing with warm water acceptable after 48 hours
• Avoid tampons and douching for 4-6 weeks
• Avoid sexual activity for 6-8 weeks
• Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks
• Avoid swimming and water activities for 4-6 weeks
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing
• Sleep with legs slightly elevated first few nights
• Swelling peaks at 48-72 hours; gradually improves
• Bruising may occur; gradually fades
• Ice packs helpful for swelling (first 24-48 hours)
• Warm compresses helpful after 48 hours
• Prescribed antibiotics prevent infection; take as directed
• Avoid driving while taking pain medications
• Light activity resumable after 2 weeks
• Return to work typically 2-3 weeks
• Full healing typically 6-8 weeks
• Final results visible at 2-3 months
• Attend all follow-up appointments
• Report excessive bleeding, fever, or severe pain immediately
• Sutures dissolve or removed as scheduled

5. Labiaplasty - Aftercare Guide

• Moderate discomfort and swelling expected
• Prescribed pain medication for discomfort
• Mild bleeding or spotting normal for several days
• Keep area clean and dry
• Sitz baths helpful for comfort (warm water, several times daily)
• Avoid tampons and douching for 4-6 weeks
• Use pads instead of tampons
• Avoid sexual activity for 6-8 weeks
• Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 3-4 weeks
• Avoid swimming and water activities for 4-6 weeks
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing
• Swelling peaks at 48-72 hours; gradually improves
• Bruising may occur; gradually fades over weeks
• Ice packs helpful first 24-48 hours
• Prescribed antibiotics prevent infection
• Avoid driving while taking pain medications
• Light activity resumable after 2 weeks
• Return to work typically 2-3 weeks
• Full healing typically 6-8 weeks
• Final results visible at 2-3 months
• Attend all follow-up appointments
• Report excessive bleeding, fever, or severe pain
• Sutures dissolve or removed as scheduled
• Sensitivity improvement continues over months

6. Laparoscopic Gynecological Surgery (Cysts, Endometriosis) - Aftercare Guide

• Mild to moderate discomfort expected
• Shoulder pain possible (from surgical gas); resolves in 24-48 hours
• Prescribed pain medication for discomfort
• Prescribed antibiotics prevent infection; take as directed
• Keep small incisions clean and dry
• No showering for first 24 hours; sponge baths after
• Gentle cleansing acceptable after 24 hours
• Avoid tampons for 1-2 weeks
• Avoid douching for 2-4 weeks
• Avoid sexual activity for 2-4 weeks
• Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 2-4 weeks
• Avoid swimming and water activities for 2-3 weeks
• Light activity resumable after 1 week
• Bloating or abdominal distension normal initially
• Gas-related discomfort resolves in 24-48 hours
• Rest important first few days
• Return to work typically 1-2 weeks
• Complete recovery typically 3-4 weeks
• Menstrual periods resume normally
• Avoid driving while taking pain medications
• Attend all follow-up appointments
• Report excessive bleeding, fever, or severe pain immediately
• Incisions typically heal within 1-2 weeks

7. Endometrial Ablation - Aftercare Guide

• Mild to moderate cramping expected
• Light vaginal bleeding or spotting normal for 2-3 weeks
• Pain medication for discomfort (usually minimal)
• Avoid tampons indefinitely (use pads)
• Avoid douching indefinitely
• Avoid sexual activity for 1 week minimum
• Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 1 week
• Avoid swimming and water activities for 1 week
• Cramping typically resolves within 24-48 hours
• Bleeding gradually decreases over days to weeks
• Menstrual periods may stop or become light
• Continue contraception; pregnancy risks increase after ablation
• Return to normal activities typically 1-2 weeks
• Return to work typically within few days
• Avoid aspirin and NSAIDs unless directed
• Attend all follow-up appointments
• Report excessive bleeding or severe pain immediately
• Complete recovery typically 1-2 weeks
• Results: reduced or absent menstrual bleeding

8. Hysteroscopic Removal of Fibroids/Polyps - Aftercare Guide

• Mild cramping expected for 24-48 hours
• Light vaginal bleeding or spotting normal for several days
• Pain medication available if needed
• Avoid tampons for 1-2 weeks; use pads instead
• Avoid douching for 2-4 weeks
• Avoid sexual activity for 1-2 weeks
• Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 1-2 weeks
• Avoid swimming and water activities for 1-2 weeks
• Cramping typically resolves within 1-2 days
• Bleeding gradually decreases
• Return to normal activities typically 1-2 weeks
• Menstrual periods resume normally
• Avoid aspirin and NSAIDs unless directed
• Attend all follow-up appointments
• Return to work typically within few days
• Report excessive bleeding or severe pain immediately
• Complete recovery typically 1-2 weeks
• Fertility preserved with this procedure

9. Colposcopy and Cervical Biopsy - Aftercare Guide

• Mild discomfort during procedure; pain minimal
• Spotting or light bleeding normal for few days
• Avoid tampons for 2 weeks; use pads
• Avoid sexual activity for 1 week
• Avoid douching and swimming for 1 week
• Mild cramps possible; pain medication available
• Avoid strenuous exercise for few days
• Return to normal activities typically 1-2 days
• Return to work next day acceptable
• Biopsy results typically available in 1-2 weeks
• Attend all follow-up appointments
• Report excessive bleeding or severe pain
• Complete recovery typically few days to 1 week
• Discuss results and follow-up plan with physician

10. Pap Smear and HPV Testing - Aftercare Guide

• Minimal to no discomfort
• Light spotting possible; normal and temporary
• Avoid tampons for 24 hours if bleeding
• Avoid sexual activity for 24 hours
• Avoid douching for 24 hours
• Normal activities resumable immediately
• Return to work immediately acceptable
• Results typically available in 1-2 weeks
• Discuss results with physician
• Routine screening recommended per guidelines
• HPV vaccination available if indicated
• Attend follow-up appointments as recommended
• Cervical health important for prevention
• No special precautions needed post-test

GENERAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY AFTERCARE PRINCIPLES

Immediate Post-Operative Period (First 24-48 Hours)

• Take prescribed antibiotics and pain medication as directed
• Rest is critical; minimize activity
• Keep incision area clean and dry
• No showering for first 24 hours; sponge baths acceptable
• Avoid disturbing surgical site
• Avoid tampons and douching
• Avoid sexual activity
• Apply ice packs if swelling present (first 24 hours)
• Keep area elevated when resting
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing
• Avoid driving while taking pain medications
• Do not exercise or lift heavy objects
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco products
• Report excessive bleeding, fever, or severe pain immediately
• Contact physician with concerns

First Week

• Continue prescribed antibiotics if given
• Pain medication use decreases as comfort improves
• Discomfort gradually improves
• Gentle cleansing acceptable after 24 hours
• Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting
• Light activity resumable as tolerated
• Avoid tampons for duration specified
• Continue avoiding douching
• Continue avoiding sexual activity
• Avoid swimming and water activities
• Continue excellent hygiene
• Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled
• Report fever, infection signs, or excessive bleeding
• Bleeding may continue intermittently; normal for some procedures
• Cramping typically resolves within 1-2 days

Weeks 2-4

• Continue prescribed medications if still prescribed
• Gradual return to normal activities
• Pain should be minimal
• Resume light exercise and walking
• Avoid heavy lifting until cleared
• Sexual activity resumable as indicated (typically 2-6 weeks depending on procedure)
• Continue avoiding douching
• Excellent hygiene important
• Attend all follow-up appointments
• Any remaining discomfort minimal
• Menstrual periods may resume or be different
• Report any delayed healing or complications
• Attend follow-up appointments

Long-Term Care (Month 2 and Beyond)

• Complete healing varies by procedure (2-12 weeks)
• Final results visible after complete healing
• Excellent gynecological hygiene important
• Regular gynecological check-ups as recommended
• Contraception discussion important after some procedures
• Fertility planning discussed if relevant
• Report any problems immediately
• Long-term health maintenance important
• Preventive measures reduce future problems

WARNING SIGNS: WHEN TO CONTACT YOUR GYNECOLOGIST

Contact Immediately:

• Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
• Excessive vaginal bleeding (soaking through pads quickly)
• Fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
• Pus, discharge with foul odor, or unusual drainage
• Severe swelling or signs of infection
• Inability to urinate or bowl obstruction symptoms
• Severe dizziness, fainting, or shock symptoms
• Allergic reaction (rash, difficulty breathing)
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Separation of incision or wound opening

Contact Within 24 Hours:

• Mild fever (under 101°F)
• Mild discharge
• Swelling worse than expected
• Questions about medications
• Difficulty following post-operative instructions
• Unexpected symptoms
• Heavy but controlled bleeding

Schedule Follow-Up Appointment:

• Post-operative check-up (1-2 weeks typically)
• Suture removal if needed (1-2 weeks)
• Biopsy results discussion (1-2 weeks)
• Pathology report review
• Regular gynecological exams (annually or as recommended)
• Contraception counseling if needed
• Fertility planning if relevant

ESSENTIAL DO'S AND DON'TS

DO:

• Follow all physician's instructions carefully
• Take all prescribed medications as directed
• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
• Rest adequately, especially first week
• Keep surgical area clean and dry
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing
• Use pads instead of tampons
• Use sitz baths for comfort (warm water)
• Apply ice packs for swelling (first 24-48 hours)
• Drink plenty of water
• Eat nutritious foods
• Report problems immediately
• Maintain excellent hygiene
• Be patient with healing process
• Use contraception as recommended
• Keep physician contact information available

DON'T:

• Don't shower or bathe for first 24 hours
• Don't use tampons (unless specified)
• Don't douche (indefinitely for some procedures)
• Don't engage in sexual activity during recovery period
• Don't exercise or lift heavy objects during recovery
• Don't drink alcohol, especially with medications
• Don't smoke or use tobacco products
• Don't wear tight clothing around surgical area
• Don't skip prescribed antibiotics
• Don't drive while taking pain medications
• Don't ignore signs of infection or complications
• Don't resume normal activities too quickly
• Don't use aspirin or NSAIDs unless directed
• Don't hesitate to call physician with concerns
• Don't use old or contaminated wound dressings

LONG-TERM GYNECOLOGICAL HEALTH CARE

Healing Timeline

• Superficial wound healing: 7-14 days
• Internal healing and recovery: 2-12 weeks (varies by procedure)
• Menstrual cycle normalization: 1-3 months
• Final results visible: 2-3 months for cosmetic procedures
• Complete healing and recovery: 4-12 weeks depending on procedure

Maintaining Gynecological Health

• Regular gynecological exams (annually or as recommended)
• Pap smears per guidelines for cervical cancer screening
• HPV testing as recommended
• Breast exams and mammography as appropriate
• Pelvic floor exercises beneficial
• Adequate hydration supports health
• Healthy diet and exercise important
• Stress management helpful
• Regular health check-ups recommended

Contraception After Gynecological Procedures

• Discuss contraception options with physician
• Some procedures affect contraception effectiveness
• Pregnancy risks may increase after some procedures
• Discuss family planning goals with physician
• Backup contraception may be recommended initially
• Regular follow-up important for contraceptive management
• Different options available depending on procedure

Preventive Health Measures

• Regular cervical cancer screening important
• HPV vaccination beneficial if indicated
• Breast health awareness important
• Monthly self-exams helpful
• Maintain healthy weight
• Regular exercise supports health
• Balanced diet important
• Adequate sleep important
• Stress reduction beneficial
• Regular health screenings recommended
• Report symptoms promptly

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL PATIENTS

Pre-Departure Guidelines

• Schedule final check-up before flying home
• Obtain copies of all medical records and pathology results
• Get written post-operative care instructions in English
• Request prescriptions for any medications needed
• Confirm follow-up testing timeline
• Arrange telemedicine follow-ups if available
• Obtain emergency contact information
• Keep all documentation in carry-on bag
• Understand when activities can resume
• Discuss travel timing with physician

Travel Precautions

• Avoid flying immediately after surgery if possible
• Most gynecological procedures allow flying after 3-7 days
• Avoid sitting for extended periods if possible
• Wear comfortable, loose clothing during travel
• Pack prescribed medications in carry-on
• Bring extra medications in case of delays
• Use pads instead of tampons during travel
• Stay well-hydrated during flight
• Avoid smoking areas
• Avoid strenuous activity during travel

Ongoing International Care

• Telemedicine consultations possible for routine follow-ups
• Local gynecologist can coordinate with Korean clinic
• Medical records and imaging provided for local care
• Pathology results sent to home country
• Prescriptions valid in most countries (verify)
• Maintain contact with Korean clinic for guidance
• Report any complications to both physicians
• Follow-up visits to Korea possible if needed
• Annual gynecological exams in home country recommended
• Keep all documentation for future reference
• Discuss long-term follow-up plan before departure