Vaginal hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus through the vagina. In this operation, the fallopian tubes along with one or both the ovaries may be removed. A vaginal hysterectomy is the preferred method when the uterus is not significantly enlarged. It is also a minimally invasive method, making the recovery period shorter and quicker. Unlike abdominal hysterectomy, vaginal hysterectomy leaves no visible scar.
Continue reading to find out answers to what you can expect after a hysterectomy and it’s rare but possible complications.
What To Expect After A Vaginal Hysterectomy?
Everyone recovers differently after the surgery. Listed below are a few things that one could expect after a vaginal hysterectomy:
Immediately after the surgery, it is normal to feel drowsy and tired as the anaesthesia is still wearing off.
If you have cramps, feel bloated or have constipation after the hysterectomy, do not worry, as it is completely normal since the lower bowel movement has slowed down.
For a few days or up until several weeks, some women may have a bloody vaginal discharge which is brownish and may emit an odor.
There may be some mild pain and discomfort in the lower belly.
Based on your job and recovery period, you can go back to work depending upon the instructions of your surgeon. While some may be advised to hold off till 6 weeks, others may be allowed to go to work after 2-3 weeks.
You may get fatigued easily after a hysterectomy. However, it is highly recommended to move around a little with frequent breaks. In such a case, light walking will help, as it helps reduce blood clots and boosts bowel movement.
Symptoms of early menopause may be experienced by those who have had both their ovaries removed. These symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. In this case, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
You may experience feelings of depression, a loss of appetite and disruption to your sleep. If these persist and hamper your life, consult your healthcare provider.
You should expect to hold off sexual intercourse until 3-6 weeks.
Your surgeon will also advise you to avoid heavy lifting.
Are There Any Complications?
Although vaginal hysterectomy is a risk-free surgery, it is possible to have complications. These include:
Infection
Heavy bleeding
Blood clots
Damage to nearby organs, including bladder and bowel.
Allergic reaction to anaesthesia, impacting the heart or breathing. However, this is very rare.
In case of the complications listed below, inform your doctor at the earliest:
Heavy vaginal bleeding.
High fever.
Chest pain.
Nausea, vomiting and swelling.
Increased pain.
Urinary problems.
What Are The Long-Term Effects?
A vaginal hysterectomy could be life-altering. Some changes to expect are:
You will not have periods anymore.
You wouldn’t need birth control. However, you still need to protect yourself from STDs.
Your sexual functionality will return to normal once you fully recover from the surgery. Sex may also improve as there are no cramps or pain.
Menopause will follow if ovaries have been removed. This comes along with a large expanse of hormonal changes.
Based on your reasons for surgery, you may experience a range of emotions regarding your fertility and other hormonal changes.
Dr Amita Shah and her team have an outstanding record of successful surgery. Dr Amita Shah is probably one of the very few laparoscopic gynae surgeons who are always at the forefront for her patients and reviews show the same. Dr Amita Shah is available in the morning at Apollo Cradle and Miracles Mediclinic Gurgaon and in the evening at her clinic at Palam Vihar in Gurgaon.
