What are the side effects of getting an elective total hysterectomy?

Question

I don't want to have to worry about periods and possible future ovarian cancer and stuff!

Answer 1

Hysterectomy patients may have a fever during recovery, and some may develop a mild bladder infection or wound infection. If an infection occurs, it can usually be treated with antibiotics. Less often, women may require a blood transfusion before surgery because of anemia or during surgery for blood loss. Complications related to anesthesia might also occur, especially for women who smoke, are obese, or have serious heart or lung disease.

As with any major abdominal or pelvic operation, serious complications such as blood clots, severe infection, adhesions, postoperative (after surgery) hemorrhage, bowel obstruction or injury to the urinary tract can happen. Rarely, even death can occur.

In addition to the direct surgical risks, there may be longer-term physical and psychological effects, potentially including depression and loss of sexual pleasure. If the ovaries are removed along with the uterus prior to menopause (change of life), there is an increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease as well. These will be discussed later along with possible treatments.

In making a decision, you should also consider that a hysterectomy is not reversible. After a hysterectomy, you will no longer be able to bear children and you will no longer menstruate. You need to think about the impact these changes would have on you.

Talk about your concerns with your doctor or a counselor and your partner. You may want to bring your partner to your doctor's office to discuss concerns before having the operation.

Answer 2

I had a complete hysterectomy because of endometriosis. I can tell you that you will most likely immediately go into menopause and have all the symptoms hit you hard - they did me. I am still trying to get straightened out hormonely after 11 years, and the hot flashes are killers at times, night sweats you would not believe and daytime I suddenly am drenched sweating from head to toe. I now have osteopenia (which is the prestage of osteoperosis) and I take 2000 mg calcium plus vitamin D daily to try to counteract any damage to bones or teeth. Two of my neck disks have been replaced through fusion surgery and I have what they call degenerative disc disease, so my bones are becoming weaker. I have developed some facial hair - those annoying chin hairs that have to be tweezed all the time... My skin is not as soft as that is part of what your ovaries supply - that youthful look that you probably cherish right now. (They don't just supply babies). I sport a lovely huge "smile" shaped scar all the way across my lower belly. There is no muscle strength or elasticity in that area as well even now. I had numbness there for years and now it is a bit uncomfy. My sex drive went down to about a third of what it was, but my hubby is patient and waits for signs of interest. I get migraines, crabbiness to put it mildly, and chocolate cravings on the days that I used to get periods and the headaches are horrid - enough to make me sick or put me in bed at times. I have marked them on the calendar, and yep it is right on the money. If you don't absolutely NEED a total hysterectomy - DON'T DO IT!!!!! Have the tests for ovarian cancer regularly if you are concerned - don't wait about it. Have your pap smear and your mammograms as well. But if you can, keep what you have. I wish I could have done so, but I had no choice after 8 years of suffering with endometriosis. Best wishes.

p.s. - listen to the 2 answerers above me, they are not making it worse than it is - and I only touched on stuff - there are more symptoms but I did not want to write a book.

Answer 3

my wife went through hell for months panic attacks we would walk for about a mile in the middle of the night said she couldn't breath. hot flashes vary dry vigina because she couldn't take horemones they up set her bad.sex came to a stand still that was in 1987 just shotley after that sex stoped all together even to today doctor said nothing would happen bull check with a woman doctor she will tell you up front then again you could sail right through it good luck dale

Answer 4

absolutely nothing in the hands of a good surgeon.

Answer 5

do you still have orgasms after a histerectomy