Is vaginal bleeding after hysterectomy common? How long should it last?
Answer From Tatnai Burnett, M.D.
Hysterectomy is a type of surgery that removes the uterus. You may have bloody vaginal discharge for several days to several weeks after a hysterectomy. This happens as the stitches, also called sutures, dissolve and the tissues heal. Plan to wear sanitary pads during that time.
Vaginal bleeding after hysterectomy should be light. You may notice some spotting or a pink discharge. Contact your care team if bleeding after hysterectomy is as heavy as a menstrual period or if it has a bad smell. Also, follow up with your care team if the bleeding lasts longer than six weeks.
With
Tatnai Burnett, M.D.
Show References
- FAQs: Hysterectomy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/hysterectomy. Accessed Feb. 22, 2023.
- Recovery: Hysterectomy. National Health Service (NHS). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hysterectomy/recovery/. Accessed Feb.24, 2023.
- Hysterectomy postprocedure care. Lippincott Procedures. https://procedures.lww.com. Accessed Feb. 27, 2023.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/vaginal-hysterectomy/expert-answers/bleeding-after-hysterectomy/faq-20057977