If a woman has certain reproductive system problems, such as uterine fibroids, uterine prolapse or endometriosis, a doctor may recommend hysterectomy surgery to resolve uncomfortable symptoms associated with these medical conditions, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report. During this surgical procedure, a woman's uterus is removed through either her vagina or abdomen. The potential side effects of hysterectomy surgery should be reviewed with a medical professional before a woman undergoes this procedure.
Premature Menopause
Certain women have both their uterus and ovaries removed during hysterectomy surgery. These women can develop premature menopause as a side effect of treatment, UpToDate health professionals explain. Premature menopause can cause side effects of vaginal dryness or irritation, decreased libido, night sweats and infertility. Younger women who undergo hysterectomy surgery may experience grief or sadness due to premature menopause side effects.
Constipation or Urinary Retention
This type of surgery can cause damage to the organs that surround a woman's uterus, such as the bowels or bladder, MedlinePlus explains. Injury to these organs can lead to urination or bowel movement difficulties in certain women. Women who develop constipation as a side effect of hysterectomy surgery can have difficult or painful bowel movements that produce small, hard stools. Bladder damage can interfere with the normal flow of urine out of the body. Affected women can have difficulty initiating urination, which can cause urinary retention, or waste accumulation, within the bladder. These side effects of hysterectomy typically resolve as a woman begins to heal from surgery. If these side effects are bothersome, a doctor may prescribe a laxative or insert a bladder catheter to help flush waste products from the body.
Dyspareunia
Pain during sex, a side effect referred to as dyspareunia, can affect certain women after hysterectomy surgery, WomensHealth.gov medical experts report. Scar tissue or vaginal inflammation following surgery can be uncomfortable and may tighten the skin within the vagina. Consequently, women can experience vaginal discomfort or pain during sexual activities. These side effects can cause a woman to be temporarily disinterested in sexual intercourse after hysterectomy surgery. The majority of women regain their normal sexual libido once the body fully heals.
Bleeding or Infection
Women who have hysterectomy surgery are at an increased risk of developing bleeding or infection complications, according to WomensHealth.gov. Heavy bleeding after surgery is rare, but affected women may require a blood transfusion to resolve this side effect. An infection within the vagina or along the surgical incision site can also develop as a side effect of this procedure. Infection symptoms, such as pain, swelling or fever, should be reported to a medical professional immediately. Affected women typicaly require additional antibiotic medication to treat the infection.
Blood Clots
Women who undergo pelvic surgical procedures, such as a hysterectomy, are at an elevated risk of developing blood clots within the legs or lungs. This increased risk persists for up to six weeks following hysterectomy surgery, UpToDate reports. Blood clots that block the flow of blood to a woman's lungs can be life-threatening and require prompt medical intervention. Before surgery, a doctor will recommend ways women can help reduce the risk of blood clot formation after hysterectomy surgery.
