Sexual Health Reproductive Health Issues Hysterectomy & Alternatives Possible Hysterectomy Complications and Side Effects By Lisa Fayed Lisa Fayed Lisa Fayed is a freelance medical writer, cancer educator and patient advocate. Learn about our editorial process Updated on October 12, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Jennifer Schwartz, MD Medically reviewed by Jennifer Schwartz, MD Jennifer Schwartz, MD, is a board-certified surgeon and Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Yale School of Medicine. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Complications Side Effects Hysterectomies are the most common gynecologic procedures performed in the United States and may be performed for a number of reasons, ranging from fibroids to chronic pelvic pain to gynecologic cancer. Still, many people who are advised to have a hysterectomy are naturally worried about the potential complications and side effects of the surgery, and how their bodies will respond after the removal of their uterus. Verywell / Laura Porter Complications As with any surgery, there are certain complications that may arise with a hysterectomy, including: Infection and fever Bleeding Blood clots in the leg that can travel to the lung Anesthesia-related complications with the lungs or heart Nerve or tissue damage Bowel obstruction Fistula formation A fistula is an abnormal pathway between two organs, such as the bladder and vagina (called a vesicovaginal fistula). A person's medical history may make them more or less prone to developing these complications. For instance, people who are obese are more prone to infection and blood clots than those who are at normal weight. The reason behind the surgery is another risk factor for developing complications. For example, fistula formation (albeit uncommon) is more likely to occur in people undergoing a hysterectomy for cancer versus people undergoing a hysterectomy for benign gynecological conditions like pelvic organ prolapse. The type of hysterectomy a person is undergoing also affects their risk. For example, in comparison to a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy, with an abdominal hysterectomy, there is an increased risk for complications like infection, bleeding, blood clots, nerve damage, and bowel obstruction. An abdominal hysterectomy also usually requires the longest hospital stay and recovery time. With a laparoscopic hysterectomy, there is usually less pain and a lower risk of infection; however, there is an increased risk of injury to the bladder. There is also an increased risk of a rare, but very serious complication, called vaginal cuff dehiscence, with a laparoscopic hysterectomy. Vaginal cuff dehiscence refers to the separation of the incision site where the uterus was removed from the upper part of the vagina. Side Effects There are several potential side effects that may occur after a hysterectomy. Physical The physical side effects of undergoing a hysterectomy include pain (usually for a few days) and vaginal bleeding and discharge (often for several weeks). Constipation is also common, and some people experience difficulties with urination or nausea or vomiting. In addition, if the ovaries are removed, people who have not yet entered menopause will no longer menstruate (called surgical or induced menopause). As a result, a person may experience a range of menopausal symptoms, such as: Hot flashes Mood swings Vaginal dryness Night sweats Keep in mind—people whose ovaries are not removed may still experience early menopause if blood flow to the ovaries is compromised. An Overview of Medical Menopause Emotional Emotional side effects may also occur after a hysterectomy. While most people feel satisfied that their symptoms (e.g., pelvic pain or vaginal bleeding) are now gone, some people in their childbearing years may feel anxious or depressed about the loss of fertility. If you are feeling sad or worried after your hysterectomy, please get in touch with your healthcare provider. You may benefit from talking to a therapist and/or taking a medication for depression or anxiety. Sexual Sexual side effects are also a possibility. Fortunately, research shows that most people who were sexually active before surgery experience the same or better sexual functioning after surgery. That said, sexual functioning after a hysterectomy is really a complicated topic. Every woman is different, and there are so many factors to consider, such as: AgeThe reason behind having the surgery (cancer versus a noncancerous condition)The level of support provided by a person's partnerMood problems that existed before the surgery A Word From Verywell A hysterectomy is a common and generally safe surgical procedure. Complications though, and perhaps unforeseen emotional reactions, do occur. If you are experiencing any new and/or bothersome symptoms, please be sure to contact your healthcare provider. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 7 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Clarke-Pearson DL, Geller EJ. Complications of hysterectomy. Obstet Gynecol. 2013 Mar;121(3):654-73. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e3182841594 Committee on Gynecologic Practice. Committee opinion no. 619: Gynecologic surgery in the obese woman. Obstet Gynecol. 2015 Jan;125(1):274-8. doi: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000459870.06491.71 Hilton P, Cromwell DA. The risk of vesicovaginal and urethrovaginal fistula after hysterectomy performed in the English National Health Service--a retrospective cohort study examining patterns of care. BJOG. 2012 Nov;119(12):1447-54. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2012.03474.x Schindlbeck C, Klauser K, Dian D, Janni W, Friese K. Comparison of total laparoscopic, vaginal and abdominal hysterectomy. Arch Gynecol Obstet. Foust-Wright CE, Berkowitz LR. Patient education: Vaginal hysterectomy (Beyond the Basics). UpToDate. Gibson CJ et al. Mood symptoms after natural menopause and hysterectomy with and without bilateral oophorectomy among women in midlife. Obstet Gynecol. 2012 May;119(5):935-41. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e31824f9c14 Danesh M, Hamzehgardeshi Z, Moosazadeh M, Shabani-Asrami F. The effect of hysterectomy on women’s sexual function: a narrative review. Med Arch. 2015 Dec;69(6):387-92. doi:10.5455/medarh.2015.69.387-392