Womenshealth.gov reports that hysterectomies are the second most common operation for women in the United States. This operation removes part or all of the uterus. Some women also have their cervix, fallopian tubes, and / or ovaries removed during a hysterectomy.
Women can choose to have their reproductive organs removed if they have cancer in a pelvic organ, fibroids, adenomyosis, uterine prolapse, endometriosis, or any other pelvic problem that causes health problems. Sometimes surgery is done to reduce or eliminate chronic pelvic pain, but this may not be the best use for the procedure.
When we think of the aftermath of a hysterectomy, we often think of early menopause, a perceived loss of femininity, and the usual symptoms of postoperative recovery. A less discussed but all too common side effect of this procedure is chronic pain in the pelvis and back. This risk must be taken into account in your decision making as well as the other risks that are discussed more frequently.
Causes of pain after hysterectomy
Two common causes of back and pelvic pain after this procedure are endometriosis and adhesions (scar tissue). Endometriosis occurs when the tissue spreads around the uterus and grows around other organs. This can cause inflammation and pain in the entire pelvic area, which radiate due to the proximity to the lower back.
Memberships are part of the healing process. During a hysterectomy, the surgeon cuts tissue into your pelvis to remove organs. The body responds by sending a wave of material to the injured area to promote healing. Collagen strands develop on the parts that were cut or burned during the operation and try to reconnect injured tissue. Collagen is the material that scar tissue is made of. Over a period of one year, scar tissue can continue to form in the pelvic area and spread to other organs, as the body’s healing response is not always well controlled. Adhesions can form between the intestines, intestines, bladder and vagina. The tension between these organs can cause severe pelvic pain that radiates to the lower back.