The duration of odor after a hysterectomy will depend on a number of factors, including the type of procedure, the location of the incision, and any underlying health conditions that may have contributed to the odor prior to the surgery.
In general, a person may experience persistent odor for up to one month after the procedure due to the healing process. However, most odors should clear up after two to three weeks. It is important to note that changes to the type or intensity of the odor may occur for up to six weeks after the procedure, depending on the individual patient.
Additionally, some people may experience a lingering smell for longer periods of time due to bleeding, infection, and other issues that may arise from the surgery. It is best to consult a healthcare provider if odor persists for more than two weeks or if it becomes increasingly strong.
What happens to your insides after a total hysterectomy?
After a total hysterectomy, the uterus and cervix are removed, leaving behind the vaginal walls and other surrounding structures like the fallopian tubes and ovaries (if they are not removed in a partial hysterectomy).
Because the uterus and cervix are of different sizes, the internal organs will shift position to fill the space left by the removed organs. Following a hysterectomy, the ovaries and fallopian tubes may become more exposed and the bladder may move slightly upward.
Depending on the type of hysterectomy performed, the supporting tissue around the pelvic area may also be adjusted. It is important to note that the internal organs will not be drastically impacted by a hysterectomy and will remain in the same general space.
However, the internal organs may be slightly shifted and the surgery may cause adverse effects such as nerve damage, bleeding, and pain.
What holds the bladder in place after a hysterectomy?
After a hysterectomy, the bladder is typically held in place by a few different structures. These include the uterosacral ligaments, which are connective tethers of tissue running between the uterus and the sacrum.
Other structures that provide support for the bladder include the transverse cervical (cardinal) ligaments, the pubocervical ligament, the rectovaginal septum, the uterosacral ligaments, and occasionally some connective tissue of the bladder itself.
In some cases, the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) and rectus abdominis muscles can also provide additional support. Finally, the urethra (the tube through which urine is expelled from the bladder) provides an additional anchor point to keep the bladder in place.
In some circumstances, a sling or bladder suspension device may also be used to provide additional support after surgery.
What is the most common complication after hysterectomy?
The most common complication after a hysterectomy is infection. This is because the procedure involves making incisions and accessing internal organs, which can lead to post-surgical complications. Other common complications after a hysterectomy include anesthetic-related problems, such as breathing problems and heart problems; bleeding and blood clots; and damage to nearby organs, such as the bladder or ureters.
Other, less common, complications can include an allergic reaction to anesthesia; a reaction to medication; and urinary or urinary tract complications. People who have had a hysterectomy are at risk for these complications, so it is important to talk to a doctor about the risks and benefits associated with the procedure.
Can bladder be damaged during hysterectomy?
Yes, bladder damage is a potential complication of hysterectomy. In most cases, the bladder is spared during a hysterectomy, but there is a risk of bladder injury whenever surgery occurs in the pelvic region.
Some risk factors for bladder damage include having an enlarged uterus, the procedure taking place near the bladder, having scar tissue around the uterus, and having multiple fibroids in the uterus.
The most common symptom of bladder damage caused by hysterectomy is excessive bleeding, usually during or after urination. Other symptoms may include urinary incontinence, pain during urination, reduced force of the urinary stream, and frequent urination.
If bladder damage is suspected, medical attention must be sought as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage and to seek treatment.
If bladder damage is confirmed, treatment options vary depending on the extent of the injury. Less serious injuries can be treated with antibiotics, pain medications, or pelvic floor exercises to help tone the bladder.
Surgery may be required for more severe cases of bladder damage, such as bladder reconstruction or bladder augmentation.
It is important to note that bladder damage is an uncommon complication of hysterectomy, and there are steps a patient can take to reduce the risk. Discussions with your doctor pre-operatively and following up with your obstetrician or gynecologist post-operatively can help you stay informed and make sure that the bladder is spared during and after the procedure.
Can you still get BV after a hysterectomy?
Yes, you can still get bacterial vaginosis (BV) after a hysterectomy. BV is an infection caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina. A hysterectomy, which involves the surgical removal of the uterus, does not remove the vagina.
Therefore, even after a hysterectomy you can still get BV if you are exposed to the same risk factors.
Common risk factors associated with BV include having multiple sexual partners, using an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception, douching, and using perfumed soaps or products to wash the vagina.
It is important to practice safe sex, not douche after sex, and avoid washing the vagina with perfumed soaps. If you have any risk factors for BV, you should be evaluated by a doctor and be treated with antibiotics if necessary.
Can you get a yeast infection if you have had a complete hysterectomy?
Yes, it is possible to get a yeast infection if you have had a complete hysterectomy. While the hysterectomy procedure may remove some of the anatomy typically associated with vaginal yeast infections, like the cervix and/or uterus, the vagina itself may still be susceptible to an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans—the main cause of yeast infections.
Additionally, a hysterectomy often causes a shift in hormones that can impact the body’s ability to regulate vaginal bacterial levels. This hormone shift, coupled with certain medical conditions, can also cause an increase in the pH of the vagina, creating a favorable environment for the fungus to proliferate.
Additionally, a hysterectomy can limit the body’s ability to produce estrogen—a hormone that is essential for maintaining the health of the vaginal walls. This can lead to thinning and dryness of the vaginal tissues, further increasing the risk of developing a yeast infection.
Anyone with a history of hysterectomy should take extra care to monitor their vaginal health and consult with a doctor as soon as possible if any signs of a yeast infection are observed.
Why do I keep getting bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common and uncomfortable condition that can cause a range of symptoms. Although the exact causes of BV are not completely understood, it is most often caused by an imbalance in the natural bacteria that live in the vagina.
This imbalance can occur when there is an overgrowth of certain types of bacteria, such as Gardnerella vaginalis.
Other factors that can increase the risk of BV include having unprotected and/or multiple sexual partners, using scented or perfumed hygiene products, having an intrauterine device (IUD), smoking, and douching.
People who develop BV may also have weakened immune systems, which can make it more difficult for their bodies to fight off bacteria that cause this condition.
In addition, BV can be a recurring problem. If you’ve had BV more than once, you can take steps to help reduce the risk of getting it again. Reduce your number of sexual partners, practice safe sex, and avoid douching and other vaginal cleaning products.
Talk to your doctor about medications that can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina and reduce the chances of future BV flare-ups.
Can you get STDs without a uterus?
Yes, it is possible to get a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) without having a uterus. STDs are spread through contact with another person’s bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, and pre-ejaculate. Having a uterus does not provide protection against STDs, so anyone who is engaging in any kind of sexual activity, regardless of their reproductive anatomy, is at risk of contracting an STD if they are exposed to another person’s bodily fluids.
The best way to protect yourself from STDs is to use protection such as condoms every time you have sex, and to get tested regularly.
What are the signs of internal infection?
Signs of internal infection can depend on which area of the body is infected, but in general they include fever, chills, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and/or local swelling or redness and tenderness around a specific area.
People may also experience body aches, muscle pain, and difficulty breathing. Depending on the type of infection, and where it is located, other signs may include coughing up bloody mucus and/or chest pain.
Depending on the area of infection, an individual may need to monitor for changes in urine and stool color, as well as changes in the skin around the infected area, such as redness and swelling. In severe cases, sepsis may also occur and present with severe symptoms such as low blood pressure, confusion, dizziness, rapid heart rate, and other indicators that require immediate medical attention.
