Doctor warns hysterectomy patients should see a GP IMMEDIATELY if they have these symptoms

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus – or womb.

Patients can expect vaginal bleeding or discharge for up to six weeks after the procedure, said Dr Renee, in a video added to her YouTube account.

But, if you’re suffering from pain when you urinate, or a pain in your tummy, you should seek medical help immediately, she added.

It’s also important not to strain when using the toilet.

Dr Renee explained in a video posted to her YouTube channel: “You might have some bladder or bowel issues, because you’ve had a catheter in. 

“You might start getting the symptoms of a urine infection, so pain when you pee, pain in your tummy, fever.

“If you get any of these, speak to your GP immediately because you will need treatment.”

After the operation, patients could also feel slightly uncomfortable when emptying their bowels, according to the NHS.

“Your bowel might have shut down a bit so you might be constipated,” Dr Renee said, “because the bowel was touched during the surgery.

“Obviously you’ve got pain medication which would also be making you constipated.

“It’s really important that you don’t strain when you go to the toilet because you don’t want to undo anything that’s been done down there.”

Taking laxatives could help to relieve your bowels without straining, recommended the GP.

She also suggested placing your hands across your abdomen while emptying your bowels, to give yourself some extra support.

After a hysterectomy, a patient cannot get pregnant.

They are carried out if someone is having problems with their reproductive system. That includes having heavy periods, long-term pelvic pain, non-cancerous tumours, or certain types of cancer.

There’s a small risk of complications after the procedure, including damage to the bladder or bowel, according to the NHS.

About 15,000 hysterectomies are carried out every year.