what is the course of watery discharge after hysterectomy

by Florence Ritchie 7 min read

At the time of hysterectomy the vagina is ashed out with hospital grade Iodine (Betadine) and you are given prophylactic antibiotics. Both of these can alter the natural symbiosis of microorganisms in thee vagina creating discharge. This often clears up within three to four months.

Full Answer

When should you call your doctor after a hysterectomy?

Jun 14, 2017 · Vaginal Discharge After Hysterectomy. For several weeks after your hysterectomy, you’re likely to experience some type of vaginal discharge. This is especially true if you had a complete hysterectomy (removal of the uterus with cervix) and now have a vaginal cuff. Most of the time, the discharge is a normal part of healing.

What could cause a bloody discharge after a hysterectomy?

Mar 26, 2022 · Directly following surgery, most women will experience a small amount of discharge. The general rule of thumb is not to be concerned with discharge after a hysterectomy unless more than one sanitary napkin is used throughout the course of one hour.

What is normal vaginal discharge after a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a common procedure. Discharge after a hysterectomy is also common. That being said, there is a certain type and amount of discharge that should be concerning. See a doctor who can help. Find Obgyns near you. Several months after a hysterectomy, the discharge should have resolved.

When should you return to work after hysterectomy?

Feb 03, 2020 · Vaginal Discharge After a Hysterectomy. Before we start, we should clear up one important fact. It is completely normal to experience vaginal discharge after most surgeries on and around your vagina. It’s a delicate ecosystem, and discharge is your body’s way of discharging impurities which could cause an infection.

Is watery discharge normal after hysterectomy?

Fistula formation between the peritoneum and vagina after hysterectomy may occur [1, 2]. Weeks or months after hysterectomy, the presenting symptoms may be leukorrhea, vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain, or symptoms related to sexual intercourse, such as pain or bleeding.Mar 6, 2008

How long does watery discharge last after hysterectomy?

It's typical to expect bleeding for up to six weeks after your procedure as your body heals and the stitches from the procedure dissolve. The discharge may be red, brown, or pink.Jan 30, 2019

What causes discharge after hysterectomy?

If you have had a hysterectomy, the discharge could be the result of vaginal atrophy or a vaginal infection. Vaginal atrophy is caused by decreased estrogen production and is often associated with a discharge from the vagina.Jan 6, 2022

Can you have discharge with no uterus?

Most women also have a bloody vaginal discharge after a hysterectomy that is normally a brownish color and may have a slight odor. This can continue for a few days to several weeks. Recovery time for a vaginal hysterectomy is shorter than for an abdominal hysterectomy.

How much discharge is normal after hysterectomy?

A laparoscopic hysterectomy sometimes doesn't require a hospital stay. As you recover, you'll likely notice some bloody vaginal discharge in the days or weeks after the procedure. This is completely normal.Jul 23, 2021

What color discharge is normal after hysterectomy?

After a hysterectomy, it's normal to have light vaginal discharge for up to 6 weeks. At first, the discharge may be bright red or pink. Gradually, it changes to a brownish or yellowish color.

Does discharge change after hysterectomy?

For several weeks, you may have vaginal discharge that appears bloody at first, then gradually becomes thinner and lighter over time. If both of your ovaries are removed, you may experience symptoms of menopause, this includes hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness.

What are signs of infection after hysterectomy?

You have signs of infection, such as:Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.Red streaks leading from the incision.Pus draining from the incision.A fever.

How do you know if something is wrong after a hysterectomy?

Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms with any type of hysterectomy: Fever or chills. Heavy bleeding or unusual vaginal discharge. Severe pain.Jun 18, 2020

Why do I have clear watery discharge?

Watery discharge is usually not a cause for concern and is a sign of a healthy vagina. It can be an indication the vagina is cleaning itself, and can also be an indication of ovulation. If accompanied by other symptoms like itchiness or a sore vagina, it may be caused by thrush or another condition.Jan 25, 2022

What does a watery discharge mean?

It's caused by hormonal changes. If the discharge is watery, it's most likely normal and not a sign of infection. Clear and watery discharge can increase at any point during your cycle. Estrogen can stimulate the production of more fluids.

Is it normal to have a watery discharge?

Watery vaginal discharge is normal in most cases. Vaginal discharge changes naturally through different life stages: puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Be aware of any unusual odors, colors, or textures in your discharge, as they can be an indication of a medical condition.Mar 21, 2019

Question

Can getting a hysterectomy cause a woman to have excessive discharge from her vagina? I got a hysterectomy several months ago and it seems as if the problem is getting worse. The discharge is also more watery than it ever used to be.

Answer

A hysterectomy is a common procedure. Discharge after a hysterectomy is also common. That being said, there is a certain type and amount of discharge that should be concerning.

Need more info?

Zocdoc Answers is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor (in the United States) 911 immediately. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment.

Vaginal Discharge After a Hysterectomy

Before we start, we should clear up one important fact. It is completely normal to experience vaginal discharge after most surgeries on and around your vagina. It’s a delicate ecosystem, and discharge is your body’s way of discharging impurities which could cause an infection.

When Discharge Is A Sign Of Something Serious

When the bacteria in your vagina react to an infection, the first thing to change in your otherwise-standard discharge will be its smell. And it will not be subtle. Patients trick themselves into thinking their discharge has become worse. But an infection smells noticeably bad.

Other Warning Signs

As we’ve mentioned, vaginal discharge is a normal part of a hysterectomy but can be serious if experienced in increasing amounts. If you do experience this, however, it is important to note that there are other symptoms to look out for. Look for the following symptoms as a further indication of a prolapse:

The Different Types Of Prolapsed Vagina

Otherwise known as pelvic organ prolapses, vaginal prolapse can actually take on a few different shapes. These are mostly delineated based on where they occur and what surrounding organs they affect.

Vaginal Prolapse: Know Your Risks

Vaginal prolapse can be an embarrassing and painful process to go through for women who’ve had a hysterectomy. There are various ways in which something like this can occur and, when it comes to treatment, it’s always best to consult with your physician.

Why do I have to discharge after a hysterectomy?

There are couple of other unique reasons for discharge after hysterectomy. Your doctor may have used saline or other liquid in the pelvic region either as part of your surgery or to check for nicks and bleeding. If not all of that liquid was removed, the remainder can seep through the healing vaginal cuff.

What happens if you pass a lot of liquid?

If you are passing large amounts of liquid, it may be urine. You could have a fistula, nicked ureter, or other urological complications. If your liquid output is greater than your liquid intake, call your doctor immediately.

What color is blood?

Blood can range from pink to red to brown, but there shouldn’t be large amounts of it. You may also see a white, off-white, yellow, or clear, watery discharge. As long as it is odorless, it’s part of the healing process. If you do too much too soon, you may see an increase in bleeding and discharge.

What happens if you don't have ovaries?

If you don‘t have ovaries, your vagina could suffer from lack of estrogen and it could have discharge from atrophy, dying of cells. See your doctor if still having discharge in case of infection. 90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

What does it mean when your vagina is itching?

Associated vaginal itching would suggest a yeast infection. If you note itching, ask your pharmacist for a nonprescription antiyeast vaginal cream to try. See a gynecologist as needed.

How long does it take to get answers from a doctor?

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers — it's anonymous and free! Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription.

Is vaginal bleeding normal after hysterectomy?

You : You should definitely see your doctor for an exam. Any vaginal bleeding after a full recovery from a hysterectomy is not normal and should be evaluat ... Read More

Why does my vagina smell after hysterectomy?

Whether you had a vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy, this odor is likely caused by dissolving stitches, along with old blood and other fluids in the abdominal cavity. This is particularly common with surgeries that involve anterior and posterior repairs because of the additional stitches from these procedures.

What does it mean when your vagina smells fishy?

While some odor is normal, a particularly strong, “fishy” odor, accompanied by discharge may indicate a vaginal infection that needs to be promptly treated by your doctor. When in doubt, it’s safest to contact your doctor’s office to discuss the changes you are experiencing.

What to expect after a hysterectomy?

Many women facing this procedure want to be prepared for what happens after a hysterectomy. Although individual experiences can range widely, most women can expect the following: 1 Your doctor will likely recommend that you avoid lifting heavy objects for six to eight weeks, even though you might feel recovered within days of the procedure. 2 Pain, redness, swelling, and/or itching at the incision site. 3 Signs of early menopause if the ovaries are removed. These can include hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and pain during sex. 4 Potential heightened emotions due to hormonal changes.

What is the procedure to remove uterus?

When women need to have their uterus removed, they do so through a surgical procedure known as a hysterectomy. This is a significant procedure that is rarely the first choice for women and their medical providers. Even so, medical circumstances may arise where a hysterectomy becomes necessary for the longevity and health of the patient.

Do fibroids need surgery?

Fibroids: Traditionally, fibroids required surgery to address the health complications they present. Newer treatment options may provide an alternative to hysterectomies for some cases of uterine fibroids. Uterine prolapse: If part of the uterus falls into the vagina, this prolapse may require a partial or complete hysterectomy.

What is the treatment for fibroids?

When uterine fibroids force patients to consider a hysterectomy, they may consider a new treatment known as an Acessa procedure. This treatment can save patients from needing a hysterectomy by delivering treatment specifically to the fibroids in the uterus, without compromising the health of the uterus itself. ...

Can a hysterectomy improve your quality of life?

If you have suffered from chronic uterine problems, a hysterectomy can improve your quality of life. In some cases, a hysterectomy may be the only viable option to preserve your long-term health. At the same time, hysterectomies can bring unwanted complications, side effects, and sacrifices, including the following:

Can a hysterectomy cause menopause?

A full hysterectomy may trigger premature menopause, which is associated with several health risks, including cardiovascular disease. If your ovaries are removed in a hysterectomy, changes in hormone production may increase your risk of bone density loss and other chronic issues.

Is a hysterectomy permanent?

While some hysterectomy side effects will only be temporary as your body recovers, others—such as hormonal changes in your body—may be permanent. Depending on your specific condition and the complicating factors affecting your health, the pros and cons of a hysterectomy may weigh more heavily on one side than the other.