Your pelvic floor post hysterectomy

After a Hysterectomy its important to get your pelvic floor screened to check the strength, tone and endurance of this muscle group! As a hysterectomy effects the structure and integrity of the pelvic support network, your pelvic floor becomes even MORE important after your surgery.

Did you know there are different types of Hysterectomy?

There are 3 main types:

Partial Hysterectomy – this is when only part of the uterus is removed but the cervix is left intact.

Total Hysterectomy – this is when both uterus and cervix are removed but the ovaries and fallopian tubes are left intact.

Radical Hysterectomy – this is when everything is removed: uterus, cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes. However, you may only have one ovary and fallopian tube removed, this decision with be based on your own individual health and risk factors.

Why would someone need a hysterectomy? 

-       Cancer of the uterus, cervix, tubes or ovaries

-       Severe/debilitating chronic pelvic pain with condition such as endometriosis or adenomyosis

-       Fibroids in the uterus

-       A prolapse Uterus

-       Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

-       Rarely, would you need an emergency hysterectomy unless you have uncontrolled bleeding from your uterus that can’t be stopped in any other way. This may happen after child birth.

How can Pelvic Floor Physio Help?  

The biggest muscles that support the uterus is the pelvic floor muscles. A Pelvic Floor physio can assess these muscles and make sure it is helping and not hindering the situation.

The two biggest pelvic floor symptoms that are often seen post hysterectomy are:

• Pain with intercourse: can be caused by a tight or higher tone pelvic floor or from the scar tissue or top of the vaginal canal being shortened or stiff from the repair. In both of these instances dilators, pelvic floor wands, breathing techniques and pelvic mobility would assist in reducing this pain.

• Vaginal Heaviness/Prolapse: If the symptom is heaviness or prolpase, then pelvic floor muscle strengthening, vaginal support pessaries, activity modification and learning the correct engagement techniques can be vital for ongoing symptom management!

If the symptom is pain you might have an overactive and tight pelvic floor. This is when we can teach you how to relax the pelvic floor. Using specific breathing techniques and muscles relaxation techniques to decrease the pain.

If the symptom is heaviness, you might have a weak pelvic floor and or a prolapse. This is when we can teach you how to effectively engage and strengthen your pelvic floor. We can also advise you on the use of pessaries if it’s a prolapse you are dealing with. Both strengthening the pelvic floor and/or using a pessary will help support the uterus.

 Everyone’s presentation is very individual and unique, which mean you pelvic floor also need individualised attention. This is why it is crucial to see someone for pelvic floor exercises so that they can assess YOUR specific pelvic floor and give you the specific tools you need.

To book a consult with one of our pelvic floor physiotherapist click here.

Written by: Catalina Verjan