Each year, over half a million women undergo a hysterectomy, making this procedure the second most common type of surgery in women of reproductive age, according to health professionals with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A hysterectomy involves the surgical removal of a woman's uterus. Women who have questions regarding the side effects of hysterectomy surgery should consult a physician.
Urinary Tract or Bowel Injury
Urinary tract or bowel injury can occur as side effects of hysterectomy surgery, health professionals at Better Health Channel warn. Accidental injury of these organs can cause urination or bowel difficulties following surgery. Affected women can experience urinary retention or constipation, which can be uncomfortable. Bowel or urinary tract injuries detected during hysterectomy surgery are typically repaired immediately. If these side effects are not detected until after surgery, affected women may require additional surgery to repair the affected organs.
Painful Sexual Intercourse
After having hysterectomy surgery, certain women can develop sensations of pain during sexual intercourse as a side effect of this procedure, MedlinePlus health professionals explain. In certain women,discomfort during intercourse can contribute to decreased sexual desire or interest. Typically, this side effect of hysterectomy surgery progressively subsides as a woman continues to heal.
Anesthesia Problems
Certain women can develop side effects related to anesthesia as a complication of hysterectomy surgery. These side effects can cause heart problems and breathing difficulties, the Office on Women's Health explains. Stomach upset side effects, such as nausea or vomiting, may also occur in certain women following hysterectomy surgery.
Bleeding, Blood Clots or Infection
Hysterectomy surgery can increase a woman's risk of experiencing side effects related to excessive bleeding, blood clots or infection, Cleveland Clinic medical professionals warn. Excessive internal or incision-site bleeding may require affected women to receive a blood transfusion to restore their blood levels to normal. Blood clots that form within the legs or interfere with blood flow to the heart, lungs or brain can be life-threatening. Additionally, side effects of infection, such as fever, pain or swelling, can require additional antibiotic treatment to resolve symptoms. These side effects of hysterectomy surgery are uncommon, but affected women require prompt medical care.
Early Menopause
Women who have their ovaries removed in conjunction with their uterus during hysterectomy surgery can experience early menopause as a side effect of treatment, according to MedlinePlus. Early menopause can cause side effects of vaginal dryness, hot flashes, infertility and mood changes, and can be especially traumatic for younger women.
