**3.5 Post-hysterectomy care and precautions**

In general, our practice will have patients return for short-term postoperative evaluation within 2 weeks following their hysterectomy. Patients are counseled to maintain pelvic rest for a minimum of 8 weeks. Postoperative blood and other secretions from the vaginal cuff may raise the vaginal pH and as a result, increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis. Many patients with vaginal cuff infections present more than 2 weeks following hysterectomy, which suggests a late ascending spread of vaginal microorganisms. As a result, our patients return for a second postoperative appointment and vaginal cuff check approximately 4–6 weeks after their hysterectomy.
