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Hysterectomy Risks & Complications

Most women experience no complications during or following a hysterectomy. In fact, the relief of painful symptoms often results in a positive post-surgery experience. In some cases, the surgeon must change from a vaginal incision to an abdominal incision during surgery.

Risks associated with the procedure include the following:

• Blood clots
• Bowel or bladder injury
• Heavy blood loss requiring transfusion
• Infection
• Problems with anesthesia
• Wound pulling open after surgery

Following hysterectomy, long-term complications can include the following:

• Decrease in sexual desire (if both ovaries have been removed)
• Feelings of loss or diminished femininity
• Increased risk for osteoporosis in women under age 45
• Pain during sex (if vagina has been partially removed)
• Pelvic weakness
• Vaginal dryness (caused by low estrogen levels if ovaries are removed)

Hysterectomy, Hysterectomy Risks & Complications reprinted with permission from womenshealthchannel.com
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