Is Bleeding After A Hysterectomy Normal? Know When Is The Time To Visit A Doctor

Hysterectomy is the most common major gynecological surgery performed across the world, with a significant variation in prevalence across different regions. In India, more than 5 per cent of women have undergone surgery to remove their uterus.

While you will not be able to get pregnant and get your menstrual period after a hysterectomy, it is normal to have some bleeding or spotting. However, if you have been experiencing persistent, sudden, or heavy bleeding, it is time to see a doctor immediately for further evaluation.

According to experts, it is important to raise awareness about the issue. “Raising public awareness and educating about safe sex practices to prevent pelvic inflammatory disease is crucial,” Dr. Ashwini Neelakanthi, Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynecology, Manipal Hospital, told Times Now. “When discussing hysterectomy, it’s essential to present alternative treatment options, including hormonal therapy, endometrial ablation, uterine artery embolization, pelvic floor exercises, and fertility-preserving procedures like myomectomy,” said Dr. Neelakanthi.

It is best to contact a doctor if the incision gets inflamed, begins to ooze discharge or bleeding, or if you have experienced abnormal bleeding after surgery. Abnormal bleeding includes:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding that starts suddenly
• Vaginal bleeding that gets heavier with time
• Vaginal bleeding that continues after 6 weeks
• Vaginal discharge with a foul odor
• Rectal bleeding
• Blood in the urine

What is normal and abnormal bleeding in a hysterectomy?

According to doctors, it is normal to have vaginal blood loss and discharge for a few weeks after a hysterectomy. The bleeding is similar to that of a light period, which may be either red, pink, or brown in colour. Many times, according to doctors, you may also have light spotting due to the stitches from the surgery dissolving.

However, women also experience abnormal bleeding, such as:

• Bleeding that is persistent and does not stop
• Bleeding that starts suddenly
• Bleeding that is heavier or heavier than a menstrual period

A person should contact a doctor right away if they experience abnormal bleeding.

According to experts, hysterectomy can also cause injury to organs, nerves, or blood vessels, which may lead to bleeding.

Doctors say that during recovery, sanitary pads should be used instead of tampons for vaginal bleeding and discharge. Using tampons could increase the chances of infection after a hysterectomy, and they may be uncomfortable or painful while the area is healing.

“Treatment decisions should consider factors such as the severity of the condition, previous treatments, fertility desires, patient preferences, and the risks and benefits of each option,” said Dr. Neelakanthi.

After surgery, doctors usually provide medications to relieve pain and prevent infection. Most of the patients are also encouraged to get up and move around. In the initial days following surgery, you may walk short distances and do some light activity to prevent blood clots in the legs, pelvis, and lungs.

Recovery from an abdominal hysterectomy may take around six weeks. Incisions to the abdomen will heal gradually, but there will be a visible scar that may fade over time.

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