If you're preparing for a hysterectomy, you've probably already discovered that there is a LOT to figure out.
What type of surgery are you having? What happens to your hormones afterward? Will your ovaries stay? How long does recovery actually take? And why does it feel like every person you ask has a completely different experience?
I've been through a hysterectomy myself, and one thing I've learned is that having good information matters. There's a difference between understanding the procedure and actually feeling prepared for everything that comes with it.
But there's another side of recovery that doesn't get nearly as much attention: the boredom.
You're supposed to rest, avoid overdoing it, and give your body time to heal. That sounds lovely until you've watched everything worth watching and you're tired of staring at your phone.
That's why I've put together this collection of 10 hysterectomy books, divided into two categories: informative guides to help you understand your surgery and lighthearted activity books to make recovery a little more bearable.
Whether you're researching your options, preparing for surgery, or putting together a hysterectomy recovery care package, there's something here worth considering.
The Best Hysterectomy Books for Understanding Your Surgery
Before getting into the funny books and puzzles, let's start with the more serious stuff.
These three guides approach hysterectomy from slightly different angles, covering everything from surgical options and medical decisions to menopause and life after surgery.
Best for: Understanding your surgical options and asking better questions.
Written by gynecologist Dr. Lauren Streicher, The Essential Guide to Hysterectomy explores the decisions women may face before undergoing surgery.
It covers important subjects such as:
- Different hysterectomy procedures
- Alternatives to surgery
- Whether to remove the cervix or ovaries
- Hormone therapy and menopause
- Surgical risks and recovery
- Sex and life after hysterectomy
One thing I especially appreciate about the book's approach is that it recognizes hysterectomy isn't a one-size-fits-all procedure.
The decision about your ovaries, for example, can have implications well beyond the operation itself.
Worth knowing: The second edition was published in 2013, so some medical information may be dated. It's a useful foundation for understanding your choices, but confirm current treatment recommendations with your doctor.
02 · Preparation & recovery
What to Expect Before, During & After a Hysterectomy
Paid link
View book on AmazonBest for: Women who want an approachable overview of the entire process.
Sometimes you don't want to dig through medical terminology. You just want someone to explain what you're getting into.
Allyson Stewart's What to Expect Before, During & After a Hysterectomy is presented as a practical handbook that addresses preparation, menopause, mindset, and recovery.
It's a book to consider if you're looking for information that goes beyond the operating room.
After all, preparing for hysterectomy isn't just about arranging transportation and packing a hospital bag. It's also about understanding what changes you might experience afterward and knowing which questions to ask before surgery.
A particularly important point: having a hysterectomy doesn't automatically mean you'll enter menopause. Whether your ovaries are removed, along with your age and ovarian function, makes a difference.
Best for: Anyone still weighing treatment options or wanting to advocate for themselves.
The Empowered Hysterectomy by board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Kameelah Phillips takes a broader look at uterine health and the decisions surrounding hysterectomy.
The book addresses conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, and adenomyosis, along with potential treatment approaches, surgical preparation, and recovery.
What makes this one particularly interesting is its emphasis on informed decision-making.
Not everyone considering a hysterectomy is in the same situation. Some have spent years trying other treatments. Others are newly diagnosed and suddenly have a major decision to make.
Understanding why a procedure is being recommended, what alternatives might exist, and what the operation can realistically accomplish is incredibly valuable.
My takeaway: If you're still in the decision-making stage, this is one of the first books I'd suggest looking into.
Funny Hysterectomy Recovery Activity Books (Because Resting Gets Boring)
Now for something a little lighter.
Hysterectomy recovery can involve plenty of downtime, particularly in the early weeks. Depending on your surgery and your doctor's instructions, even ordinary activities may need to be limited.
And while rest is necessary, boredom is very real.
Activity books are a simple way to pass the time without committing to a complicated project. Word searches, coloring pages, trivia, and puzzles can provide a welcome change from another afternoon scrolling through your phone.
Some of these also make great additions to a hysterectomy recovery gift basket, especially for someone who appreciates a slightly inappropriate uterus joke.
Best for: Someone who appreciates a little humor with their recovery.
Bye Bye Uterus is a hysterectomy-themed recovery activity book featuring 328 puzzles and activities.
I like the idea behind this one: a recovery gift that isn't overly serious or sentimental.
It's the kind of thing you could tuck into a care package with a comfortable blanket, lip balm, and a few favorite snacks.
Best for: A funny, inexpensive hysterectomy gift.
With a title like No Uterus, No Problem, this one clearly isn't trying to be a medical textbook.
It's a humor-focused activity book intended for women recovering from hysterectomy surgery.
Of course, not everyone wants to joke about losing an organ. But for women who cope with difficult situations through humor, a book like this can be a fun alternative to another generic get-well-soon card.
Best for: A thoughtful recovery gift that isn't specific to hysterectomy.
Be Still Not Stuck is a general surgery recovery activity book rather than one written specifically for hysterectomy patients.
It focuses on relaxed, low-pressure activities, including word searches, sudoku, and trivia.
What I like about this concept is the idea of having something to do without feeling like you need to accomplish anything.
Not every recovery day is a productive day, and that's perfectly fine.
07 · Recovery activity book
The Hysterical Hysterectomy Recovery Activity Book
Paid link
View book on AmazonBest for: Someone who enjoys puzzles, coloring, and cheeky humor.
The title alone earns this one a spot on the list.
The Hysterical Hysterectomy Recovery Activity Book combines lighthearted puzzles, brain games, coloring pages, and other activities designed for post-op downtime.
This is the sort of book I'd consider for someone who likes to keep their hands and mind occupied but doesn't want to take on anything physically demanding.
Best for: Relaxing activities during post-op downtime.
This activity book is designed around stress relief, relaxation, and keeping busy while recovering from uterus removal surgery.
Sometimes the simplest gifts are the most practical.
An activity book doesn't require much setup, doesn't take up much room, and can be picked up or put down whenever someone feels like it.
Best for: Easy-to-read activities and a little laughter.
Hysterectomy Recovery with a Smile includes puzzles, coloring pages, word games, and humor in a large-print format.
The larger print is a nice feature for anyone who prefers activities that are easier to see without constantly adjusting their glasses.
It's another option for creating a recovery care package that's useful without being overly clinical.
Best for: The friend who has already started making hysterectomy jokes.
Some women are emotional about hysterectomy. Others are ready to throw their uterus a going-away party.
And sometimes you can feel both ways.
It's Official, My Uterus and I Broke Up is a humorous recovery activity book that leans into the lighter side of the experience.
For someone with the right sense of humor, this could make a memorable post-surgery gift.
Which Hysterectomy Book Should You Choose?
You definitely don't need all ten.
If you're still deciding whether to have surgery, start by looking at The Empowered Hysterectomy or The Essential Guide to Hysterectomy. Both are written by gynecologists and focus on understanding medical choices.
If your surgery is already scheduled, What to Expect Before, During & After a Hysterectomy is worth considering for its practical focus on preparation and recovery.
If you're already home recovering, an activity book might be more appealing than several hundred pages of medical information.
And if you're shopping for a hysterectomy recovery gift, I'd pair one funny activity book with something practical. A long charging cable, cozy socks, a lightweight blanket, or a small basket of favorite snacks can make a thoughtful combination.
The important thing is choosing something that actually suits the person receiving it.
A Few Things I Wish More Women Knew Before Hysterectomy
One of the biggest misconceptions about hysterectomy is that every woman's surgery and recovery will be the same.
They won't.
Your experience can depend on the reason for surgery, the surgical approach, whether other procedures are performed, your health history, and whether your ovaries are removed.
It's also worth remembering that removing the uterus doesn't necessarily resolve every underlying pelvic condition. Endometriosis, for example, can exist outside the uterus.
That's why I'd encourage anyone preparing for surgery to make a list of questions for their surgeon instead of relying entirely on online recovery stories.
Ask what exactly will be removed, what recovery restrictions apply to your procedure, what symptoms deserve a call to the office, and what hormonal changes you might expect.
Books can help you understand those conversations. They aren't a replacement for individualized medical advice.
And once you're recovering? Give yourself permission to be bored sometimes.
You don't need to turn those weeks into a personal development project. You're allowed to rest, read a silly book, watch terrible television, and recover at your own pace.
Shop My Hysterectomy Books & Recovery Activity Books on Amazon
Whether you're looking for a detailed medical guide, a funny post-op gift, or something to keep you entertained while resting, I've gathered all ten books into one convenient Amazon Idea List.
Browse the entire collection, compare the books, and choose the ones that fit your situation.
Shop all 10 hysterectomy booksAnd if you're preparing for your own surgery, be sure to explore my Hysterectomy Recovery Must-Haves & Nice-to-Haves guide for more practical ideas on making recovery at home a little more comfortable.
From one hysterectomy survivor to another,
Rory & Me
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
