Spotting after a Hysterectomy
Post-surgical vaginal spotting (or bleeding) is a normal occurrence after a hysterectomy. The amount of recovery after this kind of surgery may shock some women, as the procedure itself is an inpatient one requiring no hospitalization. But just because the surgery is done in one office visit doesn’t mean it’s not major surgery. As with most major surgeries, women can still expect spotting after a hysterectomy for six-to-eight weeks.
Preparedness following a hysterectomy can make things go more easily, especially if you plan ahead for post-surgical bleeding. Several changes of clean sheets should be at the ready, as should two or three heating pads. Tissues on the night stand and even a glass of ginger ale to help combat nausea are two other helpers. Wear loose-fitting clothes, lie back and relax with a good book or catch up on soap operas. And undo stress or physical exertion can tear tender tissue and cause more bleeding.
The key to knowing when to become alarmed by the spotting is to know how heavy the spotting gets – and how light. Because tissue may have been removed from a number of areas, there are that many opportunities for spotting to occur. As a general rule, spotting after a hysterectomy should get lighter with each passing day. If the spotting has diminished to a pinkish hue after two weeks and then suddenly becomes heavy, this is a good indication that a visit to the OBGYN may be in order.
Even early in the recovery period, heavy bleeding should not be considered normal. If the blood is bright red, this is a signal of fresh bleeding, and the doctor should be consulted immediately. Any spotting should be reported during follow-up visits with the surgeon. If after six weeks you want to try sex with your partner, be on the lookout for any further bleeding, and tender tissues may still be swollen and prone to tearing.
After recovery, any spotting after a hysterectomy should be immediately reported to the doctor, as this is abnormal and may be a sign of a more serious problem. This goes for fresh, bright red blood and older, dark red blood.
