What to expect following your procedure

For the first 24 hours

  • Do not drive for at least 24 hours. Only drive when you feel confident enough to control your vehicle safely. Check with your insurer if you have questions.
  • Make sure you move around frequently. This will reduce the risk of blood clots and speed up your recovery. 
  • You can shower after 24 hours.
  • You may experience period-like cramps and mild bleeding. This can take up to 2 weeks to resolve and should gradually improve during this time. Take your usual over-the-counter painkillers if you need them.
  • If bleeding is heavy you can take tranexamic acid 2 tablets three times a day for 2 to 5 days. Tranexamic acid helps to stop heavy bleeding. If we did not give you this medication when we discharged you, ask your GP to prescribe it for you.

Most patients resume normal daily activities after 3 to 4 days.

Important

While you experience this bleeding, do not:

  • use tampons (use sanitary pads instead)
  • have sexual intercourse
  • have a bath
  • go swimming.

You can restart these activities when your bleeding has settled.

When to seek medical help

Call the Day Surgery Unit advice line (see Contacts below), if you experience any of the following:

  • increasing pain which does not go away with painkillers
  • increasing or heavy bleeding
  • offensive discharge
  • fever
  • pain in your lower legs.

Contact information

Day Surgery Unit Advice Line, Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm

Out of hours and weekends, calls diverted to Kingston Hospital Alex Ward

 

NHS emergency and urgent care service, call 111

You can also contact your GP or come to the Kingston Hospital Emergency Department (A&E)

Telephone:

Day Surgery Unit: 020 8541 5370

 

Alex Ward: 020 8934 2301