Bleeding After Hysterectomy – Bleeding in patients who undergo hysterectomy is considered normal if it is mild, and excessive bleeding is a rare event that has variable causes like cervical stump tumor or cancer, infiltrating tumors in ovaries, atrophic vaginitis, and tumors secreting hormones like estrogen.
Hysterectomy is the surgical procedure to remove the uterus or womb from the female body in order to treat certain medical conditions. As it is a surgery that is considered one of the major surgeries, it is widely accepted that it can lead to minor health issues for a few weeks post-hysterectomy, and mild bleeding and vaginal discharge are common aftereffects. The stitches and sutures take time to heal and dissolve. Therefore, it is recommended to get appropriate rest and avoid any strenuous work immediately after a few days of hysterectomy. To deal with the mild bleeding (that is normal), wear panties and sanitary pads till complete recovery. It takes approximately 6-8 weeks to recover from normal bleeding.
Bleeding is Normal and Abnormal
Normal bleeding
Normal bleeding indicates that the woman’s wounds are healing at the right pace. The bleeding follows a procedure wherein the flow decreases with time in the days or weeks following the hysterectomy.
Bleeding is never heavier than the menstrual flow at any point of recovery post-surgery.
Abnormal bleeding
Abnormally heavy bleeding at any point of time post hysterectomy is indicative of health complications. Brighter red active bleeding and passage of larger blood clots indicate there is immense blood accumulated post hysterectomy and leaving the vaginal opening after sleep. All of these medical conditions need immediate doctor consultation.
Bleeding after hysterectomy
After a hysterectomy, intense bleeding may lead to anemia. Anemia is the condition that arises when there is excessive loss of blood, even below normal levels. Some of the symptoms that indicate that a person is anemic are :
- 1. Fatigue
- 2. Dizziness
- 3. Headaches
- 4. Easy bruising
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Bleeding 3 months post Hysterectomy
The reasons for bleeding 3 months post hysterectomy:
1. Vaginal atrophy
2. Cancer
3. Vaginal infections
What to do in Case of Bleeding after a Hysterectomy
Wear panties and sanitary pads in the period of slight bleeding post hysterectomy
In case of heavy bleeding, consult a doctor to get treatment for any health complication like a vaginal tear, vaginal dehiscence, and hemorrhage.
Consult a doctor immediately if there is intense bleeding to prevent excess loss of blood
Recommendation of bleeding after hysterectomy
Doctor consultation should be taken when the bleeding post-hysterectomy is heavier than normal menstrual bleeding.
In case of intense flow, blood transfusions may be needed.
To prevent the hemorrhage, vaginal packing is recommended after a vaginal hysterectomy.
Vault suturing is also needed in some cases post-hysterectomy to prevent blood loss or spillage of other vaginal contents.
Vaginal tears are treated by recommended surgeries.
Do’s & Don’t
Do’s
- 1. Wear sanitary pads
- 2. Stay active after hysterectomy
- 3. Do moderate walking after 2-3 days of hysterectomy.
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Don’ts
- 1. Do not lift heavy objects
- 2. Avoid intense exercises
- 3. No sexual activity for a few weeks post-surgery
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When to Consult a Doctor
The doctor must be consulted when the vaginal bleeding after a hysterectomy is heavy and does not go after some time. There are other health issues that are a matter of concern and arise the need to consult a doctor:
Abnormal bleeding may occur due to the following reasons:
- 1. Sudden vaginal bleeding
- 2. Heavier bleeding
- 3. Continuous bleeding for over 6 weeks
- 4. Foul odor from vaginal discharge
- 5. Bleeding from rectum
- 6. Blood from urine
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A person needs to go to the emergency after a hysterectomy for the following health problems:
- 1. Severe pain
- 2. High-intensity bleeding
- 3. Chest pain
- 4. Heavier discharge
- 5. High fever
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- Frequently Asked Questions
When should I be concerned about bleeding after a hysterectomy?
After a hysterectomy, it is normal to have slight bleeding for some days or weeks from the vaginal opening. The bleeding occurs till the wounds heal, and the stitches get dissolve. The slight bleeding after a hysterectomy requires the usage of sanitary pads for a particular time. The concern about bleeding after a hysterectomy
When there is heavy and bright red bleeding instead of a moderate level of bleeding, to prevent the excessive loss of blood, it is required to consult the doctor immediately.
If the bleeding does not stop after some time
Bleeding that seems to be much heavier than the menstrual bleeding
Why women bleed post hysterectomy?
Bleeding after a hysterectomy may occur because of the following reasons:
- 1. In case of injury to some internal organs or blood vessels
- 2. Because of the development of some kind of granular tissue that results in the formation of a scar on the vaginal top.
- 3. Vaginal cuff
- 4. Pelvic hematoma
- 5. Organ injury
- 6. Hemorrhage
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Is it normal to start bleeding again after a hysterectomy?
Yes, it is normal to have occasional bleeding post hysterectomy that is not bright red but noticeable pink spots. The heavier and bright red bleeding indicates abnormal bleeding that should be evaluated and treated.
Where does the blood come from after a hysterectomy?
The blood after hysterectomy may come from cervical, vaginal or uterine vessels. Vaginal atrophy and serious medical conditions like cancer may also cause bleeding after a hysterectomy.
How do you know if something is wrong after a hysterectomy?
The need to consult the doctor arises after a hysterectomy if the patient faces the following health issues:
- 1. Fever
- 2. Chills
- 3. Heavy bleeding (soaking of the pad in just an hour)
- 4. Abnormal vaginal discharge
- 5. Severe pain
- 6. Bloody stool
- 7. Nausea
- 8. Vomiting
- 9. Diarrhea
- 10. Weakness
- 11. Fatigue
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