Uterus Removal Side Effects

The uterus is a pouch like structure that houses the growing fetus during pregnancy. There can be many conditions that can necessitate the surgical removal of the uterus. This is done by a procedure known as a hysterectomy. This is the procedure wherein the uterus is removed, which can be done by different routes, like it can be a vaginal hysterectomy or an abdominal hysterectomy. In either case, though the uterus removal cost may vary, the uterus removal side effects that are seen are the same.

Side Effects of Uterus Removal

Premature Menopause
One of the main side effects is premature menopause. This is seen when the uterus and the ovaries are removed. When this happens, the estrogen levels suddenly fall and it leads to what is known as surgical menopause, or simply menopause after hysterectomy. However, this occurs if the woman is nearing the natural age for menopause. If the woman is not near the age of menopause and undergoes a uterus removal surgery, then it is said that she will reach her menopause age around 3.7 years before usual. In any case, when a woman goes into surgical menopause, it is sudden in nature and the body may respond differently to this sudden change. However, there are cases wherein the woman may not want to accept these changes in her body just yet, which only makes the menopause symptoms worse.

Estrogen has a natural protective effect on the heart and so, is important when it comes to heart health. Hence, the risk of developing heart diseases is higher in women that undergo a hysterectomy. Also, the chances of developing osteoporosis is quite high in women that have had their uterus removed. Hence, one of the main side effects is that it puts women at an added risk of heart diseases and osteoporosis.

Sexual Health
One of the questions that many women have is whether or not one of the side effects of uterus removal is decreased sexual pleasure. Every woman is different and so, a hysterectomy may or may not affect her sexual health and experience. While some women claim that there was a decrease in the sex drive, others, who had pain during intercourse due to the uterus, now with it removed, tend to considerably enjoy intercourse now. For some women, since during an orgasm, the uterus contracts, now with the uterus not in place, they may not feel that strong an orgasm. Some women also claim that as one of the partial hysterectomy side effects, there is excess vaginal dryness after removal of uterus, which in turn causes pain during intercourse. However, there are also many women who say that post hysterectomy, they did not find any difference in their sexual experiences.

Other Side Effects
Some women may complain of slight urinary incontinence after a hysterectomy. This problem usually does not develop suddenly but is seen after a considerable amount of time. Although it is not known why but there are chances of women developing problems like stress incontinence and even a slightly prolapsed vagina after hysterectomy. One of the most underrated side effects is the mental effect that it may have on some women. It is said that a lot of women attach their femininity to their female reproductive organs. Hence, when the uterus and/or ovaries are removed, it leads to them feeling less 'womanly'. As trivial as this may seem to some women, it can even cause depression, especially when coupled with the sudden onset of surgical menopause. This is one of the important side effects of hysterectomy that needs to be kept in mind.

Although there are a few risks that are directly related to the surgery itself, like excess bleeding, reconvalescence, etc. However, in the end, you need to consult your gynecologist and get all the details regarding the possible side effects, so that you can make an informed decision regarding the same.