Hysterectomy & Urinary Tract Infections
A hysterectomy is the second most commonly performed surgery on women in the U.S., according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Understanding the relationship between this common surgery and urinary tract infection can help you take measures to avoid developing complications following a hysterectomy.
The Facts
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of part or all of a woman's uterus. A urinary tract infection is an infection that develops in your urinary tract and can affect your urethra, bladder, ureters and kidneys.
Features
During a hysterectomy and for the first few days of recovery, your doctor uses a catheter to empty your bladder. According to WomensHealth.gov, catheter use increases your chances of developing a urinary tract infection.
Effects
In certain instances, your doctor may remove your ovaries as well as your uterus during hysterectomy surgery, which causes your body to experience menopause. Loss of estrogen, which occurs during menopause, is a urinary tract infection risk factor, according to WomensHealth.gov.
Considerations
Make sure you drink plenty of water to help flush your system after experiencing a hysterectomy. Watch for symptoms of a urinary tract infection during your recovery, such as frequent painful or burning urination and passing unusually small amounts of urine.
Significance
Experiencing a urinary tract infection after a hysterectomy can drastically increase your recovery time, especially if you develop serious complications such as a chronic kidney infection.
Tags: tract infection, urinary tract infection, urinary tract, Hysterectomy Urinary, Hysterectomy Urinary Tract, Tract Infections, urinary tract