Body Changes after Hysterectomy? The Questions You’re Too Embarrassed To Ask

If you’re considering a hysterectomy but don’t know what to expect, this article will give you the key facts.

It’s no secret that our bodies change as we age. But what happens after a hysterectomy? This major surgery can bring with it all sorts of changes to your body, both physically and emotionally. And while it’s perfectly normal to have questions and concerns about these changes, you may feel too embarrassed to ask them. Well, never fear! In this blog post, we’ll answer some of women’s most common questions about their bodies after a hysterectomy. So whether you’re wondering about sex or incontinence, read on for some answers.

What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy involves surgically removing the uterus. It’s a widely performed procedure, with more than 600,000 performed annually in the United States. There are several reasons why someone might need a hysterectomy, including cancer, fibroids, endometriosis, and pelvic prolapse. In some cases, a hysterectomy may be required to save a woman’s life.

What are the different types of hysterectomies?

The most common hysterectomy removes both the uterus and the cervix, which is referred to as a total hysterectomy. Subtotal or supracervical hysterectomy (also known as a partial hysterectomy) involves removing the entire uterus except for the cervix. During a radical hysterectomy, the entire uterus is removed along with the cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and nearby lymph nodes. Occasionally, a surgeon may also need to remove part of the surrounding tissue or organs, such as the upper part of the vagina or nearby lymph nodes.

Hysterectomies can be performed with a classical abdominal or robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Generally, the type of surgery a woman will have depends on her situation and health condition. Depending on the patient’s medical history, gynecological surgeons decide what kind of surgery to perform. There is usually a four to six-week recovery time after surgery.

Where does sperm go after a hysterectomy?

It’s a fair question – after all, it’s in the uterus that the sperm traditionally go to meet the egg and fertilize it. However, the uterus is removed in a hysterectomy, so where does the sperm go then?

Well, without the uterus, there’s nowhere for it to go. The sperm will either be absorbed by the body, passed out through gravity, or by the flow of a woman’s urine.

Can a hysterectomy lead to incontinence?

One of the potential risks of a hysterectomy is incontinence or urine leakage. While this can be a bothersome problem, there are ways to manage it.

First, it’s important to understand that incontinence does not result from a weak bladder. Instead, it’s usually the result of damage to the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder. This damage can occur during surgery, or it may be the result of a previous injury.

Several treatments are available for incontinence, including pelvic floor muscle exercises and electrical stimulation. In most cases, these treatments are effective in reducing or eliminating leakage.

If you’re dealing with incontinence after a hysterectomy, consult your doctor regarding your treatment options.

What causes pelvic pain years after a hysterectomy?

In some cases, pelvic pain may persist even for years after surgery. While the exact cause of this phenomenon is not yet known, several possible explanations exist. One theory is that surgically removing the uterus can trigger nerve function changes that contribute to pain. Another possibility is that scar tissue from the surgery may be irritating surrounding tissues and organs.

Whatever the cause, pelvic pain after a hysterectomy is a complex issue that deserves further study. In the meantime, women dealing with this problem should consult their surgeons to explore all possible treatment options.

The Bottom Line

All in all, a hysterectomy can be a significant change to go through – physically, emotionally, and hormonally. You might feel like you’re the only one dealing with these issues, but plenty of women out there have been through the same thing and come out the other side feeling stronger than ever.

If you’d like to connect with some of these amazing ladies, be sure to join Perry, our thriving online community where you can connect with like-minded warriors who are in the same stage of life. Download Perry in the App Store or Google Play Store. You can also find us on Facebook.

Referenced Sources

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