Hysterectomy can cause side effects such as vaginal bleeding, infertility, and early onset of menopause. Women may also experience weight gain, fatigue, and constipation. The type of surgery and a patient’s health can affect the severity of side effects.
There are several common side effects of hysterectomy that patients can expect to experience depending on their age, general health, and type of surgery. Those women who were still menstruating before the hysterectomy will neither menstruate again nor be able to get pregnant. Losing the ability to have children can also lead to depression. Menopause can start immediately after surgery or at a younger than normal age. Several weeks of light vaginal bleeding is another known side effect of hysterectomy.
Women who undergo a hysterectomy will experience light vaginal bleeding or drainage for a few days following the procedure. Sanitary pads can be used to soak up any discharge. The doctor should be informed if the bleeding is unusually heavy.
Menstrual periods end after a hysterectomy. The bleeding will stop, but the hormonal changes a patient experiences as part of her menstrual cycle will persist if only the uterus is removed. If the ovaries are not removed, the hormonal changes experienced before surgery will continue unabated.
Infertility is one of several side effects of hysterectomy. Because the hysterectomy removes the uterus and possibly the cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, the patient will no longer be able to have children. In some cases, this can lead to depression. Women who wish to become pregnant may wish to consider alternatives to hysterectomy if possible.
Another side effect of the hysterectomy is the onset of menopause. Menopause begins almost immediately for those patients who have had their uterus and ovaries removed. In patients who have preserved their ovaries, an early onset of menopause is still possible. Symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, mood changes, and vaginal dryness.
A minority of women may experience additional side effects from hysterectomy. Weight gain, fatigue and constipation have been reported. Some patients have also experienced pelvic discomfort or phantom pain after surgery. Urinary incontinence is a possible side effect of hysterectomy that typically manifests itself decades after the initial procedure.
Depending on your situation, a doctor may choose one of several types of hysterectomy surgery. Partial surgery removes only the uterus, while a total hysterectomy removes the cervix and uterus. A total hysterectomy may also include the removal of the uterus and cervix as well as the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
In addition to the common side effects of hysterectomy, the surgery has similar risks to other medical procedures. Infections, organ damage, and blood clots are all risks associated with hysterectomy surgery. Several weeks of rest will be necessary for the patient, who should not lift anything heavy and should refrain from sexual activity during recovery.
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