Bleeding After A Hysterectomy: Post Surgery What Is Normal?

Following a hysterectomy, it is normal for a woman to experience some vaginal bleeding. This bleeding should lessen over time and stop within about six to eight weeks after surgery. If the bleeding continues it should be reported to your doctor immediately. If the bleeding suddenly increases, it is cause for concern. Bright red blood indicates a fresh source of bleeding, which can also be of concern.

For women who have had certain types of partial hysterectomy, a normal monthly cycle of menses is expected. With that exception, bleeding after the surgery has healed is considered abnormal and should be reported without delay. Any abnormal bleeding is cause for concern. Any blood in the urine is another cause for concern.

If you recently had a hysterectomy and you are experiencing light bleeding or spotting, it is normal and not anything to worry about. Heavy bleeding is not normal and may indicate that a surgical repair is necessary. This is especially worrisome if the blood is bright red in color, indicating that a internal suture may have torn.

If bleeding has ceased, women may resume sexual intercourse about six to eight weeks after surgery. Should any bleeding occur following intercourse, or should the woman experience pain during intercourse, the doctor should be notified. Bleeding and pain during intercourse following hysterectomy is not normal. It may be necessary for women to use additional lubrication, since hysterectomy can result in vaginal dryness. Excessive pain is not normal and bleeding following intercourse should not occur.

Any bleeding or spotting which occurs more the six to eight weeks post operatively is not considered normal. There may be issues regarding how your incisions are healing. Lifting, excessive bending or squatting and other strenuous activities during the recovery period can tear sutures and open healing wounds resulting in bleeding. Some medical conditions can slow healing which will cause bleeding over a longer period of time. Diabetes and hypertension are both conditions which can interfere with normal healing.

Blood thinners are often prescribed post operatively to lessen the chances of blood clots. This is a risk of any major surgery and blood thinners are commonly administered following surgery. This may cause a patient's blood to clot more slowly, and for the patient to experience heavier bleeding temporarily. Your doctor and the hospital staff will monitor your bleeding for the first several days following surgery if bleeding is heavier than expected. In some cases, particularly following abdominal hysterectomy, a blood transfusion may be necessary.

After the surgery has fully healed, and all bleeding has ceased, any vaginal bleeding can signal a serious problem, especially if the surgery was performed to remove a malignancy. Women who have undergone hysterectomy for cancer should have regular check ups and should report any bleeding or spotting immediately.

When a woman resumes intercourse, she should be aware of the need for additional lubrication during sexual intercourse. Since hysterectomy can cause vaginal dryness, and the tissues of the vagina are fragile, tearing of the walls of the vagina can occur when insufficient lubrication is used. This can be one cause for bleeding following intercourse.

If the uterus and cervix are removed during a hysterectomy, there should be no monthly bleeding, even if the ovaries have been left in place. The monthly menses are the shedding of the uterine lining, and with no uterus or cervix, there is no lining to shed. Don't think that bleeding is a period if your cervix and uterus have been removed. This is not normal and should be addressed immediately by your doctor.

The best patient is well informed both before and after surgery. Make sure you discuss your concerns with your doctor. Know when to report bleeding. You have control over your health and treatment.