There is a chance that you will experience some vaginal drainage for several weeks after your full hysterectomy. This is most common for those who have had a complete or partial hysterectomy and are now wearing a vaginal band.
The majority of the time, the discharge will be a normal part of healing. There are times when it is a sign that something is wrong.
The best way to ease your mind from leaking clear fluid after hysterectomy is to be aware of what to expect.
Normal Vaginal Discharge
Because tissue has already been cut and stitched, it makes sense to have some vaginal blood while everyone heals. While blood color can range from pink and red to brown, it should not be overwhelming.
There may be a yellow, off-white, or clear watery discharge. It is normal and part of the healing process, so long as it isn’t obnoxious.
Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
It could be urine if you have much liquid coming out. You may have a fistula-nicked ureter or other urological conditions. Contact your doctor immediately if your liquid output exceeds your liquid intake.
Any discharge that contains a foul or “fishy odor in the genital area may not be normal. The doctor might need to take a culture.
Additional Vaginal Discharge
There are only a few reasons you might feel ill after a hysterectomy. Your doctor may have used saline, or any other liquid, in the pelvis to perform your surgery or check for nicks or bleeding. If the liquid is not completely removed, any remaining liquid can seep out of the healing vaginal tube.
Things to Expect Following a Hysterectomy
A full hysterectomy is often recommended for the treatment of gynecologic-related cancers. It involves the complete removal of a woman’s uterus and surrounding tissue. There are many things to consider if you have been advised to undergo a hysterectomy as part of your treatment. Your experience will depend on which type of procedure is performed. For instance, depending upon your needs, your gynecologic doctor may recommend a minimally invasive method such as robotic assistance (laparotomy), open approach, laparoscopy, or vaginal.
In addition to a hysterectomy, you may have a separate but related procedure called a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy to remove both ovaries and fallopian tubes. This procedure might be performed on the same day as your hysterectomy.
What to Expect
The following are things to expect after a successful hysterectomy.
- Within the first 24hrs after your hysterectomy, you may experience some vaginal bleeding. However, this will gradually diminish over the following 24 hours. If your bleeding appears to be getting worse than it is getting better, call your doctor right away.
- Your hysterectomy, a major surgery, can make you feel exhausted and tired for several weeks. Be active as much as you can, but remember to take breaks.
- Vaginal discharge can appear bloody initially but gradually gets lighter and thinner over several weeks.
- The removal of both ovaries may trigger your symptoms of menopause. Your doctor might recommend hormone replacement therapy or another medication to help ease your discomfort.
- Feelings of loss may cause you to feel depressed. It can also affect your concentration and sleep quality. These feelings and reactions are normal. You should consult your doctor if they persist or become a significant problem.