Hysterectomy is an important medical procedure that is used to treat various gynecological problems. It is a serious medical procedure involving the removal of organs essential for your reproductive and menstrual system. Without the right mindset and preparation before going through the surgery, it can be very challenging during hysterectomy recovery. Your body will go through several important changes after the surgery and it is very important to be aware of them before you go through with the procedure. So, here’s a look at the six most important changes your body will go through after a hysterectomy procedure.

6 Body Changes After Hysterectomy You Should Know About

End of Periods

When you are talking about the effects of hysterectomy on the body, cessation of periods is the most common one discussed. As the uterus is removed from the body, the monthly shedding of the uterine lining is no longer a possibility. As such, periods can be completely removed from your life. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you will have an early onset of menopause. While it is possible and also one of the common hysterectomy changes, menopause onset is not commonly associated with the removal of the uterus. So, how is it possible? Let’s understand how menopause can be associated with a hysterectomy.

Artificial Onset of Menopause (Possible)

Even after a hysterectomy, the ovaries are not removed from the body in most cases. In special cases, doctors recommend the removal of one or both ovaries along with the uterus and cervix during a hysterectomy. Only when both ovaries are removed as a part of the procedure, the artificial onset of menopause is possible. In case if your ovaries are removed during the procedure, early onset of menopause is one of the most common post-hysterectomy changes your body will go through. Your doctors will most definitely let you know about the risks before going through the procedure. If in fact, you are set to have an early onset menopause after the surgery, be sure to talk to your doctors regarding the changes you should be expecting for that.

Changes In Hormonal Levels

Going through a standard hysterectomy does not involve the removal of the ovaries. However, due to the sudden changes in your body and the cessation of periods, your body is expected to go through some hormonal changes and fluctuations. Symptoms like mood swings and hot flashes are commonly experienced by patients who are having hormonal fluctuations post-hysterectomy. In such cases, it is recommended to discuss your symptoms with doctors and they might suggest you incorporate certain lifestyle and dietary changes to improve your symptoms. Doctors can also recommend you take hormone supplements to make up for any hormonal deficiencies.

Effects on Sexual Health

After going through a hysterectomy, some women report having problems with lower libido. This is possible due to hormonal imbalances or the psychological toll of going through the surgery. Similarly, lower vaginal lubrication as well as pain or discomfort during intercourse are common symptoms experienced by patients after the surgery. The effects of hysterectomy on your sexual health need to be discussed with your doctors. In most cases, the symptoms should subside by themselves over time. However, if it is caused by hormonal imbalances, doctors can recommend you to go for hormone supplements. Lastly, the use of water-based lubricants can aid the lack of vaginal lubrication and the pain or discomfort associated with it.

Changes In Body Appearance

Physical changes after hysterectomy are in most cases not caused by the surgery itself. Unexplained weight gain after the surgery can be caused by to lack of physical activity after the surgery. If you are experiencing hormonal changes, doctors will recommend you to go through proper treatment courses. This is done to ensure you are not gaining weight or having any drastic changes to your bodily appearance due to the surgery. Apart from weight gain, you can also have reduced abdominal bloating offering a more streamlined physical appearance. To hold on to this appearance, doctors will recommend you to adopt healthy lifestyle habits of regular exercising and diet.

Urinary Incontinence & Problems With Bowel Movements

The removal of the uterus, cervix, and other parts of your reproductive system, it changes the way the surrounding structures and organs behave. For the bladder, patients often complain about urinary incontinence or urgent and frequent need for urination after the surgery. In terms of bowel movements, patients complain about constipation being a common occurrence after the surgery. Doctors will generally monitor you for these symptoms and offer appropriate treatment options to help you live comfortably. In case of urinary incontinence, doctors may recommend you to perform pelvic floor exercises regularly to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which helps reduce urinary urgency and incontinence.

Conclusion

These are some of the most common changes you are expected to go through after a hysterectomy. The key is to be aware of the changes and take appropriate measures both psychologically and physically to prepare for them. There are several services available to counsel patients before and after going through a surgery like a hysterectomy. You can avail them to help prepare and recover from the surgery healthily. For more information about hysterectomy surgery, feel free to check out MASSH. We work with the top gynecologists in Delhi and offer holistic medical care services to treat any gynecological problems. You can check out our website to learn more about our treatment processes.