Hysterectomies

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and/or the cervix and is used to treat several conditions, therefore the recovery from the surgery depends heavily on the type of procedure performed.

Risk of prolapse

​Following a hysterectomy some women develop pelvic organ prolapse. Before a hysterectomy the bladder, urethra, vagina and uterus are all attached to the pelvic walls by a system of connective tissue, fascia and ligaments. When the uterus is removed an element of this supportive structure is also removed which can cause some women to experience a pelvic organ prolapse.

Symptoms of a prolapse

A prolapse is where one or more of the pelvic organs, or the vagina itself falls into the vaginal opening. Common signs and symptoms of a prolapse can include:
 

• A feeling of heaviness around the lower tummy, pelvis and genitals.
• A dragging discomfort inside the vagina.
• A feeling of sitting on a small ball like there is something coming down into the vagina.
• Feeling or seeing a bulge or lump in or coming out of the vagina.
• Discomfort or numbness during sex.
• Problems weeing such as feeling like the bladder isn't emptying fully, needing to go to the toilet more often or leaking a small amount of pee when coughing, sneezing or exercising.

Preventing prolapse

​A strong pelvic floor is key to avoiding a prolapse. As a start try these two exercises that are gentle on the pelvis post hysterectomy.
 

• Core Breaths – breathe deep into the back of your rib cage, then as you exhale lift your pelvic floor as if you were drawing a tampon inside you. You can also think of it as the same muscles you would use to stop gas or cut off urine. Don’t strain and if your pelvic floor is particularly week after a hysterectomy it may take some time to build up to doing a lot of the exercises.

 

• Pelvic Tilts – lying on the floor curl your tail bone up and flatten your back into the floor taking the curve out of your spine, then untuck your pelvis and lower your tailbone so there is a small arch at the bottom of your back and repeat. If lying on the floor is too much you can also do the exercise standing against a wall.

 
It is also important to support your pelvic floor in your everyday activities following a hysterectomy. Using your core breath always exhale on effort, no matter the activity, to protect and stabilise the pelvic floor and abdominal walls.