4 months have passed since the hysterectomy. How to avoid serious consequences after surgery to remove the uterus in women

Surgeries to remove the uterus and ovaries are performed if endometriosis, cancer, polycystic disease, tumor, large cystic formation are detected, or if drug treatment does not bring effective results. The woman has a difficult decision to make. Absolutely all patients are concerned about what life will be like after removal of the uterus and ovaries.

Removal of the uterus and ovaries, the consequences of which manifest themselves differently in each woman, requires mandatory compliance with all doctor’s prescriptions in the postoperative period.

The procedure for excision of reproductive organs can cause not only physical complications after surgery (for example, pain in the suture area), but also depressive disorders in patients.

However, mandatory surgical intervention is necessary for the following diseases:

• severe bleeding caused by muscle tumors;
• uterine prolapse;
• endometriosis;
• cancer of the cervix, uterus itself or ovaries;
• fibroids, fibrosis;
• a large number of polyps;
• pelvic pain caused by uterine pathology;
• large sizes;
• threat of necrosis or sepsis;
• symptoms .

It is up to the patient to decide whether or not to remove the uterus and ovaries. However, if the doctor claims that there is no other solution to the situation, you should listen to his recommendations.

After removal of the uterus and ovaries

The duration of the postoperative period and the woman’s further well-being directly depend on the type of operation performed. The following types of surgical interventions are distinguished:

1. Subtotal hysterectomy. In this procedure, only the body of the uterus will be removed.
2. Total hysterectomy. With this type, the cervix is ​​excised along with the uterus itself.
3. Radical hysterectomy. The uterus, upper part of the vagina and lymph nodes are subject to amputation.
4. Ovariectomy. Removal of one or two ovaries at once.
5. Salpingo-oophorectomy. The uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed.

Ovariectomy

Depending on the organ being removed, operations are performed in the following ways:

1. Abdominal surgery. Most operations of this type are performed this way. To perform surgery, a transverse or longitudinal incision is made in the abdomen under general anesthesia.
2. Removal of the uterus through the vagina. The incision occurs near the cervix. This procedure is not prescribed in case of organ prolapse, with an enlarged uterus or large fibroids and cysts.
3. Laparoscopic method. The essence of this method is to excise the uterus with a laparoscope through small incisions in the abdomen. The organs are removed through the vagina. This method is contraindicated for large tumors or an enlarged uterus.

To avoid serious negative consequences of removing the uterus and ovaries after surgery, it is recommended to adhere to some important aspects:

• anesthesia. Usually, after surgery to remove the uterus and ovaries, patients suffer from severe pain, which slows down the healing process. Therefore, it is recommended to constantly monitor the pain relief process and use it if necessary.
• diet and proper nutrition. Every woman, during the postoperative period, is simply obliged to follow a diet and all the recommendations of the attending physician regarding diet.
• proper functioning of the intestines. It is strictly necessary to avoid constipation. If you have any problems with bowel movements, you should immediately report this to your doctor.
• Walking and regular physical activity after the procedure will help avoid many serious consequences and complications.

Possible complications after surgery

At an early stage after the operation, subsequent consequences of removal of the ovaries and uterus may occur:

• inflammation in the postoperative suture;
• pain during urination of various types caused by traumatic urethritis;
• bleeding (external or internal) of varying intensity;
• pulmonary artery blockage;
• peritonitis;
• hematomas in the suture area.

For a quick recovery, it is important to create a positive emotional mood during the recovery period. It is necessary to understand that even when a woman has had her ovaries or uterus removed, she remains full.

Consequences of subtotal hysterectomy

If only the uterus is removed, then no special changes are observed in the patient’s body: the activity of the ovaries does not change, the cervix is ​​in its place (during sexual intercourse, the partner does not feel the absence of the uterus). The only noticeable change after such an operation is the complete absence of menstruation.

Among the common consequences after surgery to remove the main reproductive organ are the following:

1. Lack of reproductive function. For a woman of reproductive age, this is a negative consequence. But most often such an operation is prescribed for patients over 40. Before placing a woman on the operating table, the doctor carefully studies the history and symptoms of the disease. In some cases, for example, in order to save the uterus itself, only the uterine node can be excised.
2. Spikes. Regardless of the type of abdominal surgery, adhesions can form - connective fibers or films between the internal organs and the abdominal wall.
3. The risk of developing early menopause. Due to possible hormonal imbalances, the formation of
   premature menopause.
4. Osteoporosis. It occurs as a result of impaired absorption of phosphorus and calcium in the bones.

Also, the consequences of this operation include:

• possible changes in appearance;
• large blood loss requiring transfusion;
• introduction of infection;
• death due to complications (1 case in 1000);
• the likelihood of injury to the intestines or genitourinary system.

Among all the above consequences, it is important to warn yourself against the development of early menopause and, if possible, preserve reproductive function.

Possible consequences of a total hysterectomy

After the operation, all symptoms of the disease disappear, but the following negative consequences for the patient’s body may occur:

1. Disorder in sexual life. Due to emotional experiences and depression, women may experience a decrease in sexual desire for their partner. The operation itself does not affect sexual activity and does not imply any restrictions. In some cases, it may occur.
2. Loss of reproductive function. The most difficult problem facing young women. However, modern medicine has found a solution to this issue: surrogacy.
3. Premature menopause. Almost all female representatives are wary of early menopause. After removal, menstruation disappears and menopausal symptoms may develop.
4. Prolapse of the genital organs. The operation causes weakening of the ligaments and muscles of the pelvic floor, resulting in prolapse of the vagina and genital organs. This phenomenon causes discomfort in the perineal area, difficulty urinating and bowel movements. All this can lead to incontinence of gas, urine or feces. This pathology requires surgical treatment, during which the pelvic floor is strengthened using synthetic materials.
5. Spikes. Any surgical intervention contributes to the development of adhesions.

After the procedure to remove the uterus and its cervix, the patient’s life does not change significantly. There are no special restrictions, and the patient’s positive attitude contributes to a quick recovery and return to normal life.

Possible consequences of oophorectomy

Ovariectomy is a procedure in which the ovaries are removed. The most common reasons for surgery are the following pathologies:

• . This disease causes inflammation of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Adhesions of the appendages are the main symptom of the chronic form of the disease. The disease can lead to ectopic pregnancy or dangerous complications leading to infertility. In cases where it is possible to remove adhesions and save one ovary, the doctor will definitely take advantage of it;
• chronic pain in the pelvic area;
• cysts and other pathologies of the reproductive organs;
• oncological neoplasms of the mammary glands (remove the right or left ovary).

After excision of the ovaries, the following serious consequences may develop:

1. The possibility of conception is excluded, the complete cessation of menstruation. After removing one ovary, pregnancy is possible.
2. Certain hormones that take part in metabolic processes cease to be produced.
3. Early menopause may develop. To normalize processes, the doctor often prescribes hormonal medications.
4. In some cases, disruptions in the functioning of the cardiovascular system, intense sweating, changes in weight, insomnia, and mental and emotional disorders may occur.
5. Decreased sexual activity and disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system.
6. There is a risk of osteoporosis, glaucoma and other ailments. Early aging of the female body may develop. Characteristic signs of the latter: brittle nails, hair loss and deterioration of skin condition.

To avoid the consequences of ovary removal, it is recommended to regularly visit a doctor and undergo examinations.

Consequences of radical hysterectomy

Endometriosis, cancer, fibroids and other pathologies of the female genital organs require surgical intervention. After surgery, the female body stops secreting certain hormones. To maintain hormonal balance in the body, women are prescribed hormonal medications.

The most common consequences after radical hysterectomy:

• premature menopause;
• weight gain;
• decreased quality of sexual life;
• disruptions in the functioning of the vascular-cardiac system;
• impossibility of conception.

Despite all of the above negative effects, some women experience significant improvements in their daily lives. They have forgotten about pain, they are not worried about bleeding and worries about a possible pregnancy.

How to avoid complications

The amputation performed makes certain changes in the patient’s normal life. For a quick recovery after removal of the ovaries and uterus, you need to follow some doctor’s advice:

1. Wearing a bandage.
2. Lifting weights. Bloody discharge may be observed for 2 months after the operation. During this time, it is strictly not recommended to lift heavy objects or perform work that requires physical effort.
3. Sex life. The woman is advised to abstain from sex. The period of absence of sexual activity is determined by the doctor based on the patient’s condition.
4. Sports and special exercises. Specially designed exercises and sports help strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor and vagina.
5. Taking a bath, visiting a sauna, or swimming in open water is prohibited for 1.5 months after the operation. As long as you are bleeding, you should use sanitary pads rather than tampons.
6. Diet and healthy eating. To avoid constipation and problems with excessive gas formation, it is necessary to include plenty of fluids and foods containing large amounts of fiber in your daily menu. It is better to give up strong tea, coffee and alcohol.

Women often suffer from gynecological diseases leading to removal of the uterine body.

Surgical manipulation today is carried out in different ways, depending on the age of the patient and the severity of the pathology.

1. Removal of the uterus is an operation performed if there are certain indications.
2. Organ amputation is carried out in different ways, the choice of which depends on a number of associated factors.
3. After removal of the uterus, the woman undergoes rehabilitation and returns to her usual lifestyle.
4. Patients need the help of psychologists, hormonal therapy, diet, and moderate physical activity.

Types and methods of hysterectomy

Surgeons use different techniques to remove the body of the uterus and nearby organs of the reproductive system:

1. Abdominal.
2. Vaginal.
3. Laparoscopic.
4. Combined.

Abdominal access method

The technique is outdated, but is still used by many hospitals. Its disadvantages are:

• severe trauma;
• long stay in hospital;
• long-term rehabilitation;
• large blood loss;
• cosmetic defects on the body;
• adhesions often form;
• the patient experiences severe pain;
• there are high risks of infection, etc.

Vaginal removal

This technique is often used during planned hysterectomy. Its advantages include:

• low morbidity;
• minimal blood loss;
• fast rehabilitation;
• absence of cosmetic defects;
• rapid return to normal lifestyle.

Laparoscopic access

Today, this technique is most often used by doctors during gynecological operations, in particular, removal of the uterus. Its advantages are:

• low morbidity;
• visual monitoring of the progress of the operation;
• dissection of adhesions;
• short rehabilitation period.

Attention! When performing laparoscopy, an inexperienced surgeon can injure neighboring organs. It is not used in patients with cancer.

Combined method or assisted vaginal hysterectomy

The technique involves the simultaneous use of laparoscopic and vaginal techniques. Operation using this method is indicated for patients with the following abnormal conditions:

• fibroids;
• endometriosis;
• adhesions;
• pathologies in the ovaries, fallopian tubes;
• previously performed operations on the organs of the peritoneum and pelvis.

Important! This method is used by surgeons when operating on nulliparous patients or women whose anatomical features make it difficult to reduce the uterus.

Consequences depending on the type of intervention

1. Subtotal hysterectomy. The neck is preserved. The uterus is removed with or without appendages.
2. Total hysterectomy. The cervix and body of the uterus are amputated, without or with appendages.
3. Hysterosalpingo-oophorectomy. The uterus, tubes, and ovaries are removed.
4. Radical hysterectomy. The uterus, regional lymph nodes, pelvic tissue, part of the omentum are amputated, and a third of the vagina is resected.

Complications

The severity of complications after surgery directly depends on the following factors:

• age group of the patient;
• the presence of concomitant pathologies;
• severity of the disease;
• general well-being;
• the doctor's chosen method for removing the uterus.

Pain

Women who have had a hysterectomy will experience pain in the lower and central part of the abdomen for several months. Discomfort may radiate to the lumbar region and back.

The cause of the pain syndrome lies in a slight deformation of the spinal column and a change in the natural location of the bladder.

Urinary dysfunction

Due to the fact that before the operation the patient is inserted into the bladder, which remains in place for 1-2 days, this organ is injured.

You may experience discomfort during urination for several months. The bladder will work differently after a hysterectomy for the following reasons:

• inflammatory process;
• weakening of muscle tissue;
• the anterior wall of the vagina is lowered;
• estrogen is generated in the body in insufficient quantities;
• weakened sphinctral muscles;
• the patient suffered psychological trauma.

Hematomas

This complication is extremely rare. Usually, after the operation, the patient is left with a neat suture, the size and location of which depends on the type of operation. Hematomas can form due to local hemorrhages after unsuccessfully administered drugs.

Thrombosis on the legs

Any operation carries a risk of blood clots in the lower extremities. To prevent thromboembolism, patients have their legs wrapped with elastic bandages up to the knees or hips before surgery.

The lower limbs should remain in this state for several days. But they are also prescribed blood thinners.

Attention! In the future, a woman should lead a physically active lifestyle in order to prevent the development of varicose veins and subsequent thrombosis.

Vaginal dryness

In this category of patients after surgery, problems with the generation of vaginal lubrication are observed as a complication. You can protect dry mucous membranes with the help of special lubricants.

Bleeding

Patients may experience spotting for two weeks after hysterectomy. To prevent the development of infection or inflammation, they are prescribed antibiotics. If you experience intense bleeding, you should immediately go to a hospital.

Early menopause

After 40 years, the female body gradually prepares for menopause. During menopause, unpleasant symptoms arise, which are very difficult for many patients to tolerate. If the uterus was removed before this point, they will be able to avoid pain, hot flashes, and decreased/increased libido.

Mood swings

After removal of the uterus, a hormonal imbalance occurs in the body of women. As a result, many patients become depressed and experience frequent mood swings.

The removal of the uterus is especially difficult for girls who have not been able to experience the joy of motherhood. Experienced psychologists should work with them, and they will also need the support of loved ones.

Life after hysterectomy

Women should not regard surgical intervention as an irreversible process that puts an end to their future life. With proper rehabilitation, it will be possible to adapt to the changes that have occurred in the body:

• abstaining from sex for 8 weeks;
• taking hormone-containing drugs;
• regular preventive examinations with a gynecologist;
• routine ultrasound;
• transition to dietary nutrition;
• physical activity;
• help from a psychologist.

After removal of the uterus, women can begin moderate physical activity a few months later. In such a situation, doctors recommend performing Kegel exercises, which will strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and increase their tone.

Hormone replacement therapy

After removal of the uterus, the amount of testosterone in the female body, which is responsible for the normal level of muscle mass, rapidly decreases. Due to the lack of this element the patient:

• rapidly gain weight;
• lose sexual desire;
• lose libido.

To replenish the concentration of testosterone, doctors prescribe hormone-containing drugs: “Divigel”, “Estroferm”, “Estrimax”, “Feminal”.

Diet

Against the background of hormonal changes, women begin to rapidly gain weight. Hormone-containing drugs that they will have to drink on an ongoing basis until menopause also contribute to weight gain.

These unpleasant consequences can be prevented through a diet that excludes all harmful foods and provides for fractional meals.

The effect of hysterectomy on sex life

Many doctors advise women to hide from their husbands the fact that their uterus was removed during surgery. Their ability to enjoy sex will not disappear; they will also be able to lead an active sex life as before. But, after surgery to remove the uterus, they need to abstain from sexual intercourse for 2 months.

Attention! After removal of the organ, women will begin to have problems with lubrication in the vagina. Special medications will help solve this issue.

Removal of the uterus, or, in more professional terms, hysterectomy, is a forced surgical intervention caused by gynecological diseases that are not amenable to alternative treatment methods.

In what cases is a hysterectomy performed?

Reasons for having a hysterectomy:

• Malignant formation - oncology (cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, etc.). In such a situation, there is no question of alternative treatment, since cancer is always a high risk of developing metastases and death;
• Benign formations (the most common disease of the female organs is uterine fibroids);
• Endometriosis (benign formations inside and outside the lining of the uterus);
• Vaginal bleeding of unknown origin;
• Prolapse or complete/partial prolapse of the uterus (quite common in older women when the pelvic floor muscles become weak);

It is important to know and always remember: if there is at least one method, then you should definitely try this method first, and only last resort to radical options.

Many women who have had to deal with such an operation are interested in many questions, mainly related to the behavior of the body in the postoperative period, the ability to lead a normal lifestyle, play sports, have sexual intimacy with their other half, and much more.

As after any other operation, the patient must adhere to many rules and conditions so that unforeseen circumstances do not arise that could lead to complications.

The entire process of a woman’s recovery after a hysterectomy can be divided into two periods: stay in a medical institution (first period), and home postoperative care (second period). Now let’s find out what can and cannot be done after something like this.

After removal of the uterus you can:

• in the first few hours after surgery, with the permission of the attending physician, get out of bed and walk. This need is due to the risk of developing blood stagnation in the body.
• eat light food, in the form of vegetable or chicken broth, pureed fruit and green or weak black tea.
• take painkillers.
• increase physical activity every day in order to go through the recovery period faster.

After removal of the uterus, it is impossible (it should be noted that restrictions that must be followed in the first 6-8 weeks after hysterectomy will be given here):

• lift, carry and move heavy and bulky objects (fraught with bleeding and sutures coming apart);
• have sexual intercourse in the first month and a half (the same consequences as in the first paragraph);
• sunbathing in the open sun;
• visit baths and saunas, take a hot bath, swim in open water.
• drinking alcohol;
• eat fatty, fried, excessively salty, sweet foods;

At first, women may experience changeable mood, unstable psycho-emotional state, tearfulness, and sleep disturbances. This is due to a harmonious imbalance that occurs in all women who have undergone this type of surgical intervention. Such symptoms most often go away on their own after the postoperative period.

Consequences of hysterectomy

Any operation carries with it the risk of negative consequences. To minimize all risks, you must follow all instructions and prescriptions of your doctor.

However, be that as it may, such consequences do occur, so it is worth mentioning them:

• risk of infection;
• formation of hematomas;
• loss of sensation in the scar area;
• the appearance of colloidal scars (if there is a predisposition to this);
• adhesions in the abdominal cavity;
• menopause (an inevitable consequence of surgery);

It is worth immediately making a reservation about a woman’s ability to conceive and give birth after such an operation. Since the reproductive organ has been removed, becoming pregnant and having offspring in the future becomes completely impossible, and therefore the frequent question of inexperienced ladies: “is it possible to get pregnant after removal of the uterus” disappears on its own.

There are situations when a woman has experienced a difficult birth, and during the process, something went wrong (uterine bleeding began), then doctors can make a difficult, but necessary decision to save the mother’s life - to remove the uterus. No one is immune from this, but the fact that a child was born does not so darken the future life, without the possibility of getting pregnant again.

Also, a considerable number of representatives of the fair sex are wary of losing libido - the desire to have sex and receive pleasure from it. Here women can be reassured, since the sensitive endings are located precisely in the vagina, so the pleasure from sexual intercourse will not disappear anywhere, and orgasm is possible with the same probability as in absolutely healthy women.

Many patients who have undergone hysterectomy report more intense orgasms and a more active sex life. This can be explained by the lack of fear of unwanted pregnancy.

The conclusion of this topic suggests itself: sleeping with your husband or just a loved one is not only possible, but also necessary. The main thing is to do all this after 6-8 weeks.

Especially active patients who love sports and cannot imagine life without it are concerned with the following question: “is it possible to play sports after removal of the uterus.”

Sport is life, and no one will argue otherwise.

After the operation, when 2-3 months have passed, you can try yourself in light types of fitness. This could be regular walking in the evenings, yoga, breathing exercises, Pilates, bodyflex.

It has long been proven that women who do not neglect fitness or even regular gymnastics can protect themselves from such unpleasant postoperative consequences as:

• haemorrhoids;
• pain during sexual intercourse;
• adhesions and blood clots;
• depression;
• urinary incontinence;
• frequent constipation;

Doing Kegel exercises is very helpful. Many women have long heard about them. Just a few minutes a day, by squeezing and relaxing the muscles of the vaginal walls, you can protect yourself from the above unpleasant consequences, as well as increase sexual sensations.

Riding a bicycle is a completely acceptable and enjoyable activity. The main thing is not to do this if 3 months have not passed after the operation, and not to raise the seat high in order to avoid heavy stress.

Menopause

When a woman loses one of her main reproductive organs, she experiences menopause - the cessation of menstrual function and the inability to conceive. This condition is relevant due to the cessation of the synthesis of sex hormones.

Young women have the hardest time in this situation. She needs to go through not only all the stages of treatment and recovery, but also come to terms with the fact that she will no longer be able to experience the happy moments of motherhood.

The main thing here is not to panic or become disheartened.

Today, there is hormone replacement therapy that will allow a woman not to experience all the pangs of menopause and feel young and thriving. This type of therapy is prescribed by the attending physician. The most important thing is to follow all recommendations.

Diet

After a woman has lost her uterus, she not only has to go through all the stages of restoring the body, but also remember once and for all that any imbalance of hormones can lead to significant fluctuations in weight.

Therefore, following a diet is not just a recommendation from your doctor, but also a motto for life, which if you follow, you will remain in harmony with your body and soul.

Basic diet requirements:

• drinking enough fluid (women who have undergone surgery run the risk of dehydration, and this in turn leads to completely different, no less dangerous diseases. So make it a habit to drink an average of 1.5-2 liters of clean water a day).
• fractional meals (food should be taken in small portions, 150-200 grams, but quite often - 5-6 times a day).
• You should avoid foods that lead to gas formation and constipation (baked goods, coffee, strong black tea, chocolate).
• eating foods that increase hemoglobin. Such products include: buckwheat, pomegranates, dried apricots, red meat. This rule is relevant in the first weeks of the postoperative period, since any operation leads to significant blood loss.
• Do not subject products to prolonged heat treatment.
• eat more vegetables, fruits, fiber, foods rich in microelements and vitamins.

It cannot be said that such rules are necessary especially for those who have lost their reproductive organs. Any woman who follows a healthy diet can avoid many unpleasant diseases, as well as prolong her youth and beauty.

Be that as it may, any operation is not at all pleasant and difficult for a person, but removal of the uterus after childbirth is not a death sentence after which life loses its meaning. A woman decides for herself whether to be happy. The psycho-emotional mood is very important here. It’s not for nothing that they say that thoughts are material. You should definitely set yourself up for the best. Having lost her main reproductive organ, a woman still remains a woman.

Video: Removal of the uterus and possible consequences

Video: How to live after removal of the uterus and ovaries

Any woman experiences psychological shock when she hears from a doctor that she will have to have her uterus removed - the consequences of this operation frighten her. You can often hear the opinion that after removal of the uterus, a woman ceases to be a full-fledged woman. She stops enjoying sex life, and her body begins to age quickly, resulting in many diseases. But in fact, this is all just a myth. Believe that a happy and normal life is possible even without a uterus.

Consequences of hysterectomy: early postoperative period

The rehabilitation period after a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) lasts about a month and a half, provided, of course, that the operation took place without any complications. According to reviews, the consequences of removing the uterus in the first few days after surgery are:

• Pain in the area of ​​the postoperative wound. They usually last for 1 to 2 days and can be easily relieved with injections of conventional painkillers (baralgin, analgin, ketanal).
• Bleeding. Normally, a postoperative wound should not bleed. But small amounts of bloody vaginal discharge may continue for a month after surgery. But if you experience heavy bleeding or its intensity increases over time, you should urgently consult a doctor.

You should also immediately consult a surgeon if any of the following symptoms appear:

• Increased body temperature;
• Swelling and redness of the skin in the lower extremities;
• A sudden sharp loss of strength or an attack of severe general weakness;
• Acute urinary retention.

After a hysterectomy, the postoperative period is much easier for those women who went into surgery with the right psychological attitude and also followed all the instructions of the attending physician.

Removal of the uterus: consequences for sex life

During the first two months after surgery, the woman should completely abstain from sexual intercourse. There are absolutely no obstacles to this in the future. After a hysterectomy, women retain all the sensory nerve endings located both on the external genitalia and in the vagina. Therefore, they can still experience orgasm and enjoy sexual pleasure.

Problems in sexual life after removal of the uterus mainly arise only in women with a labile psyche. They are so afraid of the consequences of removing the uterus for fibroids or some other disease that they are unable to think about anything else. And as a result of this, they cannot achieve the sexual arousal necessary to achieve orgasm. So their problems are more likely to be psychological than physical. In this case, seeking help from a competent psychologist helps. But you yourself must understand that the operation has not changed anything fundamentally in your life, except for one thing - the opportunity to have children.

UK scientists conducted a survey of women who had undergone hysterectomy. According to their reviews, many of them simply did not feel the consequences of hysterectomy. Their life continued as usual. 94% of women who underwent surgery emphasized that they were in vain afraid of the upcoming operation and the possible negative consequences associated with it.

Removal of the uterus for fibroids: consequences

Many women are so frightened by myths about the dangers of hysterectomy that they prefer to continue living with fibroids, refusing surgical treatment. Yes, indeed, in some cases of fibroids, conservative therapy can be successful. But this happens, unfortunately, not always. By refusing surgery, a woman risks not only her health, but also her life.

As we wrote above, removal of the uterus for fibroids does not have negative consequences. But the operation saves the woman from frequent and heavy uterine bleeding, to stop which sometimes it is necessary to resort to an operation to curettage the uterine cavity. Iron deficiency anemia, which develops as a result of blood loss, requires serious and long-term treatment, and sometimes blood transfusion. In addition, there is always a fairly high risk of malignant degeneration of fibroids with the development of uterine cancer. So the consequences of hysterectomy for fibroids for a woman’s life are only positive.

Removal of the uterus and ovaries: consequences

For some diseases, gynecologists are forced to resort to removing not only the uterus, but also the ovaries. Such operations deal a fairly strong blow to a woman’s body.

The ovaries produce female sex hormones. When they are removed, artificial menopause and menopause occur. To prevent this, women are usually prescribed hormone replacement therapy with synthetic analogues of estrogen and progesterone, which must be carried out over a long period of time.

The most common negative consequences of removing the uterus and ovaries are:

• Sexual desire disorders;
• Increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases;
• Depression;
• Increased fatigue;
• A decrease in bone mineral density up to the development of osteoporosis and associated pathological fractures.

But operations to remove the uterus and ovaries are often the only hope for many women for a long and happy life, for example, with cancer of the uterus and/or ovaries. And the development of negative consequences after them can be prevented by timely prescribed and correctly selected hormone replacement therapy.

Video from YouTube on the topic of the article:

Removing the uterus is not an ordinary, although quite common, operation. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that there are several types of hysterectomy, it is performed in different volumes and with a different method of penetration into the peritoneum. In each specific case, the specifics of the operation are discussed with the patient; if there are options, then the choice is hers.

Important! Today, removal of the uterus to any extent is carried out only for health reasons: if there is the slightest opportunity to save an organ or part of it without risk to life, they are left.

Depending on the scope of the upcoming intervention, the doctor tells the woman what consequences await her after removal of the uterus.

General consequences

After any surgical intervention, there are postoperative phenomena characteristic of the period after surgery on any organ:

• pain at the site of the operation - healing of sutures;
• the likelihood of the formation of adhesions is prevented by proper management of the early postoperative period;
• the likelihood of infection - prevented by the preventive administration of antibiotics;
• vascular thrombosis - prevention consists of bandaging the legs before surgery and administering anticoagulants.

These are temporary consequences that, if they occur, are eliminated in the hospital. They do not have any effect on later life after removal of the uterus.

Long-term consequences

Removal of the uterus changes a woman’s life to one degree or another. Some consequences manifest themselves in everyone who has undergone organ surgery, while others are characteristic of certain types of operations or for a particular age.

Inevitable changes

Regardless of the volume of intervention and the age of the patient, the following consequences will inevitably arise after removal of the uterus:

• absence of menstruation - with rare exceptions (if a certain amount of endometrium is retained in the stump), bleeding stops and never resumes;
• impossibility of pregnancy - in the absence of an organ for bearing, suturing the stump also prevents the likelihood of ectopic pregnancy even with preserved appendages;
• redistribution of the position of the pelvic organs - nature does not tolerate emptiness, therefore, over time, small or significant movements of internal organs occur, the correct correction depends on compliance with the doctor’s instructions;
• some changes in sexual life - after adaptation to new conditions, an increase in the variety and quality of sex is possible, this, contrary to general opinion, is emphasized by most patients;
• emotional problems - modern women most often get out of the situation without serious psychological changes, having adequately reassessed their values ​​and accepted what happened as a given.

Differentiation of consequences occurs based on age and volume of surgery.

Changes depending on the volume of hysterectomy

During a hysterectomy, the ovaries may be removed or retained. When the appendages are left in the body, changes in well-being in the long-term postoperative period are minimal - female sex hormones continue to be produced and remain healthy until the onset of menopause. With such a scope of the operation, the production of offspring is possible with the participation of a surrogate mother.

Removal of the uterus and appendages leads to the onset of the so-called surgical menopause - a sudden cessation of hormone production, which means complete sterilization. The joy of motherhood can only be found through the adoption of children. In addition, the absence of hormonal levels worsens well-being in the first years after surgery and requires replacement therapy. The risk of developing osteoporosis increases - the leaching of calcium from the bones, which leads to skeletal fragility.

Important! Replacement of the body's natural hormones with medications is not indicated for everyone: if there is a predisposition to malignant processes, or if there is a risk of thrombosis, this type of treatment is not prescribed.

Another consequence of sterilization is rapid weight gain. In this case, it is more important than ever to apply the principles of proper nutrition, reducing caloric intake and maintaining sufficient physical activity.

Important! In matters of combating obesity, one should not go too far: the subcutaneous thin layer of fat is a hormonal organ inherent in a woman, its presence is provided by nature.

Consequences of surgery due to fibroids

Fibroids develop in most cases in women of childbearing age. Removal of the uterus is carried out only in extreme cases: therapeutic methods of treatment are more often used, and they are successful. If medication is ineffective and the fibroid grows significantly, heavy bleeding occurs and the risk of the tumor degenerating into a malignant one increases. In this case, the uterus is removed and the ovaries are preserved.

Childbearing becomes impossible, but egg production is maintained, so biological children can be born through surrogacy programs.

The consequences are limited to those common to all cases of hysterectomy.

Features of the condition after 40 years

Forty-year-old women of the 21st century are socially and sexually active individuals. Normally, there is an average of 10 more years until menopause. By this age, most of them have children of different ages, because... The range of ages at which children are born has increased significantly over the last quarter century. Nowadays it is not uncommon to have children after 40.

At this age, removal of the uterus is no longer as scary as in youth (you already have children), and the prospect of getting rid of a serious illness helps you look into the future with hope for an improvement in your condition and a future life of good quality.

Consequences of hysterectomy after 50 years

By the age of 50, ladies realize the inevitability of menopause. Therefore, the need to remove the uterus and appendages does not cause panic. For some women, the natural decline in hormone production has already begun. In this regard, a disease requiring surgical treatment is accepted as one of the manifestations of menopause, and the removal of the uterus itself is accepted as a preventive measure to prevent life-threatening complications.

In any case, this age group turns out to be the most psychologically prepared for the operation and its consequences: older people are always morally stronger than their younger friends in misfortune.

Against the background of emotional acceptance of the very fact of organ removal, the consequences, if they proceed without complications, are perceived as a natural development of events.

Thus, knowing what consequences of hysterectomy await after surgery means getting the right psychological mindset. Life after intervention on the reproductive organ continues and can be no less interesting, and certainly more comfortable, than before. Many women who have gone through this test eventually evaluate their new state as positive: after a serious illness and a not very comfortable rehabilitation period, life blossoms with new colors and brings a feeling of happiness.

Important video: Removal of the uterus and possible consequences for a woman’s body