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Bladder Problems After a Hysterectomy

Doctors perform about 600,000 hysterectomies each year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because of the circumstances surrounding the procedure, you may experience bladder problems after your hysterectomy.

  1. The Facts

    • A hysterectomy is a reproductive surgery during which your doctor removes your uterus. Depending on the reason for your surgery, your doctor may also choose to remove your ovaries, fallopian tubes and cervix.

    Types

    • Bladder problems that you may experience after a hysterectomy include bladder infections (also called urinary tract infections) and damage to your bladder that occurred during surgery.

    Signs

    • Signs of bladder problems after a hysterectomy include bladder pain or tenderness, foul-smelling or bloody urine, burning during urination, and the need to urinate frequently, notes FamilyDoctor.org, a service of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

    Effects

    • Experiencing bladder problems, such as a urinary tract infection, after your hysterectomy may increase your recovery time, especially if the infection progresses to include your kidneys, a common occurrence if you do not receive prompt treatment.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Urinary tract infections are more likely to occur after a hysterectomy because of catheter use. FamilyDoctor,org suggests that you drink more fluids--including cranberry juice--to reduce your chances of suffering from urinary tract infections.

    Considerations

    • Occasional bladder leakage after a hysterectomy may be normal; however, if you experience excessive bladder leakage or any other signs of bladder problems after your hysterectomy, talk to your doctor. You may have sustained a bladder injury during surgery.

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