Life after a hysterectomy...

Hysterectomies are a very common surgical procedure for women in the United states. In fact, it is the second most common surgery, second to childbirth by c-section. Reasons for this surgery can be cancer, pelvic pain, endometriosis, and abnormal bleeding.

Post-surgical pain is common after a hysterectomy, and it varies from person to person. There are different ways to have hysterectomies, and everyone is different in their recovery. Your doctor will likely have gone over what to expect. For instance, 6 weeks of down time and general soreness and cramping. These symptoms can last as long as 3 months and are normal, but if it has been longer than that, you may want to see a specialist. (And it’s never too late…if you had a hysterectomy 2 years ago and things still aren’t quite normal…THERE IS HELP!)

The position that you are in during the surgery can lead to stress on your hips. So, hip pain is not uncommon. You may also have pain in your back, lower abdomen, legs, and vagina. We also see ladies with issues with bowels, bladder, and intercourse.

Sometimes, you will have pain with intercourse after a hysterectomy. With a hysterectomy, the doctor creates a vaginal vault, putting something like a ceiling in your vagina. This procedure can lead to scarring at the top of your vagina and can be sensitive with deep penetration. Physical therapists treat sensitive scars throughout the body. Pelvic health physical therapists can treat the scars in your vagina and make sex as enjoyable as ever!

Sometimes, ladies have a hysterectomy because of chronic pelvic pain. Sure, the uterus (the part removed during hysterectomy) may have been part of the problem. But, sometimes, there is an underlying muscle problem as well. The muscle problem will remain even after the hysterectomy. Pelvic floor physical therapy is the answer for this. This type of therapist will examine the muscles and figure out if they are a problem and then teach you some things to do to help the muscles.

If you have issues after your hysterectomy, contact a pelvic floor physical therapist. You don't have to suffer with pain after your this surgery. Get back to your life. Have enjoyable sex with your partner!