Discharge Instructions for Ovary Removal Surgery (Oophorectomy)

 Activity

• Rest when you are tired.

• Take your medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.

• Keep doing the coughing and deep breathing exercises that you learned in the hospital.

• Listen to your body. If an activity causes pain, stop.

• Limit your activity for 4 to 6 weeks.

• Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds.

• Don't do strenuous activities. This includes mowing the lawn, vacuuming, or playing sports.

• Limit your activity to regular short walks. Slowly increase your pace and distance as you can.

• Don’t drive far until you are comfortable without taking prescription pain medicine. This may take up to 2 weeks. You may ride in a car for short trips.

Other home care

• Don’t put anything in your vagina until your healthcare provider says it’s OK.

  • Don’t douche.

  • Don’t use tampons.

  • Don’t have sex.

• Shower as needed.

  • Wash your incision gently with mild soap and warm water.

  • Keep your incision clean and dry.

• Check your temperature each day for 1 week after your surgery.

• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.

• Prevent constipation.

  • Use laxatives, stool softeners, or enemas as advised by your provider.

  • Eat more high-fiber foods.

  • Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day, unless advised otherwise.

Follow-up care

Make a follow-up appointment, or as advised.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider right away if any of the following occur:

• Fever of 100.4°F ( 38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider

• Chills

• Bright red bleeding or bad-smelling discharge from your vagina

• Trouble urinating, or burning during urination

• Severe belly pain or bloating

• Redness, swelling, or draining at your incision site

• Shortness of breath or chest pain

• Nausea and vomiting

• More pain with or without activity