How Much Do You Know About Your Gynecological Health? Eating more lean proteins helps you convert fat to muscle. These changes can include an increase in age-related issues, like bone loss, memory loss, and more. Confirm with your doctor that you're ready before attempting any stomach-flattening moves that require straining your muscles. Usually performed by a gynaecologist, hysterectomy can be total or partial (removal of the uterine body while leaving the cervix intact; also called supracervical). Lets examine some of these activities and when you may begin doing them again. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Its lining is the blood you shed during your menstrual period. To tighten the sides of your abdomen, do knee rolling exercises. (2015). There are several reasons why constipation may occur after a hysterectomy, including pain medication, a sedentary lifestyle, and a lack of fiber in the diet. With surgical menopause, menopause symptoms often begin quickly after having the procedure. Abdominal adhesions make your internal tissues and organs stick together. After a hysterectomy, your small and large intestines, which are the largest organs near your uterus, will move to fill most of the space that your uterus previously occupied. Laser. Some of the gastrointestinal symptoms commonly seen after a hysterectomy include: Gas and bloating. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. We've got answers to all your questions. Saffarieh E, et al. What happens to your other organs depends on a variety of factors, including if your uterus was enlarged, how enlarged it was, and what type of hysterectomy you get. It creates excess skin in the abdomen. Youll likely need to wear a pad during recovery for vaginal bleeding and discharge. But if swelling and underused muscles trouble you after a few weeks of rest and rehabilitation, it can help to know that getting in shape after hysterectomy is a workable target. Most cases of swollen labia arent serious. Vaginal hysterectomy. Research suggests that the sudden loss of estrogen is the culprit behind the increased risk of age-related health issues. Required fields are marked. Mayo Clinic. This may include increases in: Stop doing any activity that leads to increased pain. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with 1,060 hysterectomy stock photos, vectors, and illustrations are available royalty-free. This is normal and should go away shortly. Next week will be 6 months since my hysterectomy. Move back to the original position, then roll your knees to the other side, before moving back to the original position again. Accessed Oct. 19, 2022. As estrogen declines, the skin may show signs of aging more easily. Learn more. A modified pelvic tilt starts with your knees bent, facing the ceiling. What Fills the Space After a Hysterectomy? Well break down the relationship between hysterectomies and weight loss. Today. These will also include pelvic floor exercises. Content Sponsored by: MIRI Women The Minimally Invasive Reproductive Surgery Institute (MIRI) brings together highly skilled, board-certified specialists who are focused on womens health. (2020). Read on to learn more about the different types of hysterectomies and the types of scars they can cause. (2018). What side effects can you expect after a hysterectomy? Dec. 13, 2022. Ovary removal may increase your risk for, If you dont have your ovaries removed, you may still go into menopause a few years. Using the camera, the surgeon is able to see the organs inside the abdomen in great detail, allowing him or her to perform very precise maneuvers to remove the uterus. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. This means you will not feel pain during the surgery. Today, surgeons generally avoid using this approach in favor of less invasive techniques. Where Does Sperm Go After a Hysterectomy? Elsevier; 2021. http://www.clinicalkey.com. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology. The loss of the uterus may speed up the decline of the ovaries, and ovary failure will bring about menopause. Your back should stay flat on the bed or mat for the duration of the exercise. Test results could change the surgeon's approach to the operation. You need to know these tips if youve done this surgery, or if you know someone whos facing this kind of problem. But if swelling and underused muscles are bothering you after several weeks of rest and recovery, it may help to know that getting in shape after a hysterectomy is an achievable goal. However, pain is also a common indicator that you may be overexerting yourself after your surgery. After a hysterectomy, it is common to experience some swelling in your abdomen. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Parker WH, et al. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, How Reproductive Factors Can Affect a Woman's Heart Health. If you need a hysterectomy, your doctor might recommend robot-assisted (robotic) surgery. If your ovaries are left in place after your hysterectomy, theyll continue to function as usual. With time and patience, you will find ways to cope with the changes brought on by your hysterectomy and rediscover the confidence that makes you uniquely beautiful. During a hysterectomy, a surgeon removes all or part of your uterus. These procedures are called oophorectomy, salpingectomy, and salpingo-oophorectomy. In most cases, this is a temporary side effect and the stomach will return to its normal size over time. Starting Position Sitting, standing or lying down Align your spine so that your lower back has a normal or slight inwards curve However, try to avoid having water hit it directly. After a hysterectomy, it's important to watch for warning signs of ovarian cancer or a type of cancer that mimics it, called primary peritoneal cancer. Robotic hysterectomy. You may need an abdominal hysterectomy instead of other types of hysterectomy if: The ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and vagina, also called the vaginal canal, make up the female reproductive system. Swelly belly usually takes a few weeks to go down, but it can take between 4 to 6 weeks to recover completely. A thin tube with a light and camera on it is inserted into the abdomen. Ami TR. The second time they had surgery they think they are going to lose their stomach. Several small stitches will be placed internally near the top of the vagina and will dissolve within several weeks while you are recovering from your hysterectomy at home. People who have their ovaries removed early in life should be monitored closely for signs of these conditions. While many hysterectomy surgeries allow for the removal of the uterus through the vagina, others require more invasive measures. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Sanitary pads can help control vaginal bleeding and discharge. Watch. If you're premenopausal, having the ovaries removed along with the uterus starts menopause. Bleeding After Hysterectomy: What to Expect, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, What to Expect with Endometriosis of the Fallopian Tube, How Parental Support Affects Mental Health of LGBTQ Youth, you can effectively operate all of the controls in the car, you feel comfortable while wearing a seat belt, youre no longer taking medications that have a sedative effect, such as pain medications, whether youll be comfortable while traveling, if the activities youll do during your travels are appropriate for the stage of your recovery, vaginal bleeding or discharge that has a foul odor, painful or burning sensation when you urinate, tenderness, redness, or swelling around the incision, pain that starts to get worse or is persistent, despite pain medications, pain with fever, nausea, vomiting, or reduced appetite, heavy discharge or bleeding from your incision that soaks through your dressings. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. All rights reserved. You may even have more sexual pleasure after a hysterectomy. Signs you did too much after hysterectomy, What to avoid following the procedure, and for how long, When to see a doctor with medical concerns following a hysterectomy, nbt.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/attachments/Hysterectomy_NBT002006.pdf, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3774134/, dana-farber.org/health-library/articles/recovering-from-your-hysterectomy/, rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/patients/patient-information-leaflets/recovering-well/laparoscopic-hysterectomy.pdf, hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/vaginal-prolapse, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, 10 Reasons for Hysterectomy, Plus Benefits and Side Effects. Additionally, this may induce feelings of shame or embarrassment when you are around others, especially if you have always held yourself to a certain standard of physical fitness in the past. In addition, some women may experience increased inflammation and food sensitivities after a hysterectomy, resulting in gas and bloating that make their bellies appear larger. Post Hysterectomy - Almost 6 Months. link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4757-1767-9_16, sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214911215000144?via%3Dihub, sutterhealth.org/ask-an-expert/answers/bleeding-after-a-hysterectomy, nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/sex-after-hysterectomy/, obgyn.coloradowomenshealth.com/services/surgeries/hysterectomy/partial-hysterectomy, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, No One Warned Me About the Grief That Comes With a Hysterectomy, 10 Reasons for Hysterectomy, Plus Benefits and Side Effects. In some cases, they can even pull at your intestines, twisting them up and causing painful obstructions. As with the other moves, they should be repeated up to 10 times each. If you notice that vaginal bleeding or discharge increases after a specific activity, you may have done too much. Premenopausal women who need to have a hysterectomy to treat gynecologic cancer may grieve the loss of fertility. It is meant to fit snugly, but not tightly; similar to an ace bandage for a sprained ankle. This typically improves as your recovery continues. If you have both ovaries removed in addition to a hysterectomy, these symptoms will likely come on suddenly and be more severe. Cardio exercises will also help your stomach flattening goals, so try to work in at least 20 minutes of cycling, walking, swimming, or other aerobic activities every day. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe . The ovaries produce hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which help to regulate the menstrual cycle. Its important to get screened regularly, because you can still get cervical cancer if you have a partial hysterectomy. Choosing a route of hysterectomy for benign uterine disease. FREE delivery. They can guide you through your options and the hysterectomy process. Sometimes, other organs from the reproductive system are removed during this surgery. You can also work on your stomach pouch after hysterectomy by tightening your stomach on your hands and knees. The surgeon also may remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes, shown on the bottom. For example, you may find its easier to wash a few dishes, take a break, and then wash a few more dishes. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. Long-term health consequences of premature or early menopause and considerations for management. Last medically reviewed on October 30, 2018, What side effects can you expect after a hysterectomy? Follow your care team's suggestions about returning to your usual activities. Break up household activities into more manageable chunks. Your doctor can help you understand the possible benefits and disadvantages of this type of surgery, especially in people who have not yet reached menopause. You may need to wait at least 4 weeks until you can completely submerge in a bath. Clarke-Pearson DL, et al. After a hysterectomy, your small and large intestines, which are the largest organs near your uterus, will move to fill most of the space that your uterus previously occupied. Office on Women's Health. Robotic hysterectomies result in penny- or dime-sized scars similar to those left by laparoscopic procedures. Bowel endometriosis does sometimes occur after a hysterectomy, but its not caused by it. Exhale and hold your abs in for a few seconds, release while breathing in, and repeat. Women between ages 40 and 44 have the highest rates of hysterectomy. With this type of hysterectomy surgery,three minimal incisions mean three small abdominal scars that are hardly noticeable. Vaginal hysterectomy involves a shorter time . If this is too much of a burden, kneel in front of your chair with your pillows under your feet, and keep your elbow seat on your chair. Regaining a flat stomach after a hysterectomy may not be the first thing you think of following the procedure. Place one hand under your lower back and one on your stomach. Bakkum-Gamez JN (expert opinion). What side effects can you expect after a hysterectomy? Tests may include: The day before and the morning of the surgery, you'll bathe or shower using a special soap. Youll be given instructions on when and how to start doing activities during your recovery, so follow these carefully. If your menstrual period is consistently longer or heavier than normal, your doctor may recommend endometrial ablation. draft 2, Everything You Need to Know About Rainbow Light Prenatal, 10 Best Organic Beetroot Powders Reviewed. It can also include removing the cervix, ovaries (oophorectomy), fallopian tubes (salpingectomy), and other surrounding structures. (2015). Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. You can also significantly reduce your risk of large abdominal adhesions by opting for a minimally invasive procedure, such as a vaginal, laparoscopic, or robotic hysterectomy. You also will receive antibiotic medicine through a vein in your arm to lower your risk of infection. Exhale and draw your abs in for a few seconds, release while breathing in, and repeat. In addition to physical changes, like hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness, low estrogen can have a number of hidden effects. Short-term use of hormone therapy can help ease symptoms that really bother you. Where Does Sperm Go After a Hysterectomy? For people who have just one ovary removed, the signs may be more gradual or less severe. If sadness or negative feelings interfere with your enjoyment of everyday life, talk with a health care provider. But consulting a doctor is a must before you try any of the tips. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. This can be due to the surgery itself, as well as the pain medication you may be taking. This content does not have an Arabic version. Whether your stomach appears flabby after your hysterectomy may depend on the type of hysterectomy you needed and surgical technique used to perform it. Chewing gum can also contribute to air swallowing, which can cause bloating. New research highlights the important role parents play in the mental well-being of LGBTQ young people. But, because your body is still producing hormones, you might still feel like youre getting your period and have symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). (2013). Going in through the vagina, surgeons make an incision around the cervix. Vaginal discomfort and painful intercourse (dyspareunia) Many women with small bowel prolapse also experience prolapse of other pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus or rectum. This is when fluid collects in the space where your uterus was removed. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. One of the hip incisions is about half a centimeter and the other is one centimeter (about the width of a standard yellow pencil). These may include the: Each type of hysterectomy carries with it different possible side effects and complications. After hysterectomy, low oestrogen levels in the body makes women more prone to cardiac issues. This may help protect against future issues. Explore. Hysterectomies are a common surgical procedure in the United States. Bakkum-Gamez J (expert opinion). Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Among them may be the cosmetic and health effects of scarring. This will help you on your journey to get rid of the stomach pouch after a hysterectomy. Incisions and Scarring After Hysterectomy Surgery. Start with a modified sit-up. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Learn what to expect from each surgical approach and why internal. When you get better, these tummy tightening exercises will help you reduce the stomach pouch after hysterectomy. An abdominal hysterectomy is an operation that removes the uterus through a cut in the lower belly, also called the abdomen. Jessicas Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo Oophorectomy, New Study Reveals Most Popular Hysterectomy Surgery May Be Harming Women, Music therapy reduces depression, menopausal symptoms, Menopausal Age, Obesity Links to Heart Failure Explored, Hypothyroidism more prevalent during late perimenopause, postmenopause, 5 Ways to Prepare for Your Hysterectomy and First Surgery. An abdominal binder is a fitted elastic material that wraps around the tummy and fastens (usually with velcro). Endometriosis of the fallopian tubes is often discovered when someone is having a hard time getting pregnant. Exhale gently with each lift, then breath in as you lower your head. Complications of Hysterectomy. Both of these incisions leave a visible scar. Summary Marcus Chung / Getty Images A hysterectomy is a type of surgery that removes the uterus. Your hands will be stretched out at your sides, palms down, with your knees bent and facing the ceiling. After this point, which may be 8 weeks after your hysterectomy, you can have sex as long as its comfortable for you. MIRI focuses on physical healing, while emphasizing that a patients emotional well-being is just as important. (2018). The bloated, puffy belly is normal. Compression after a hysterectomy (laparoscopic or open abdominal surgery), myomectomy, appendectomy, hernias, tummy tuck is helpful to your recovery! Although you wont menstruate after having a hysterectomy, you may still experience some bleeding during the time you would normally get your period, if you had a partial hysterectomy. She already had two children, so the deep feeling of loss after her, Laser therapy uses strong beams of light to treat damaged areas on the body. Usually, the tissues inside your abdomen are slippery. hysterectomy conceptual 467 Hysterectomy Premium High Res Photos Browse 467 hysterectomy stock photos and images available, or search for hysterectomy woman or hysterectomy scar to find more great stock photos and pictures. This is a common question that many women have after this procedure. At six months, you are 80% healed. Robotic surgery in gynecology. Polen-De C, et al. 0. __CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"eb2ec":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default","value":{"colors":{"eb2ec":{"val":"var(--tcb-color-4)","hsl":{"h":206,"s":0.2727,"l":0.01,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]},"original":{"colors":{"eb2ec":{"val":"rgb(57, 163, 209)","hsl":{"h":198,"s":0.62,"l":0.52,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__, {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}, 10 Reasons Your Stomach May Be Bigger After Hysterectomy. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Baggish MS, Et al. A hysterectomy with an oophorectomy can cause several age-related issues, including bone mineral loss, dementia, and Parkinsonism. A robotic hysterectomy uses high-definition 3-D magnification, miniature surgical instruments, and robotic technology. Using an abdominal binder after a hysterectomy can be beneficial to recovery. It cannot be performed if youve had cancer in any of your reproductive organs or if youve ever had an abnormal Pap smear. pictures of the stomach after hysterectomy. Proper steps should be taken to overcome issues related to the stomach pouch after hysterectomy. There are several ways that a hysterectomy is performed, including through the vagina or through the abdomen. The surgeon starts by inserting a laparoscope. The uterus, also called the womb, is where a baby grows when someone is pregnant. Confirm with your doctor that you can perform some stomach flattening movements that require straining your muscles. (n.d.). During your recovery period, these areas will be sensitive to anything that strains or stretches them. A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus. This may be due to relief from chronic pain or heavy bleeding that came from a uterine problem. Abdominal hysterectomy. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. But for conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis and uterine prolapse, there may be other treatments. A hysterectomy is usually performed to treat benign conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or pelvic support problems. To do the pelvic tilt, begin with bent knees, facing the ceiling. Effect of bilateral oophorectomy on women's long-term health. If pain remains persistent or gets worse, and doesnt improve with pain medications, contact your doctor. irregular periods or absence of periods (amenorrhea). To enhance getting in shape after a hysterectomy, you can also adjust your diet and add other workout routines to encourage a flatter stomach. Call 911 or visit an emergency room if you have: Both rest and minor activity are important after a hysterectomy. For peak effectiveness, move only your stomach muscles. Hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus. If your menstrual period is consistently longer or heavier than normal, your doctor may recommend endometrial ablation. If a hysterectomy includes an oophorectomy, the removal of the ovaries, it could cause hormonal changes depending on whether the person is premenopausal or postmenopausal. One reason why your stomach may be bigger after a hysterectomy is damage to the abdominal muscles. If your stomach feels more rounded than it was before the surgery, it's not necessarily just slackened muscles that are causing the "pooch." And does it matter if the person has the surgery before they reach menopause? To get in shape after a hysterectomy, try doing these movements every day, about 10 times per workout. Do I have specific risk factors that makes a hysterectomy more problematic? For people who dont remove their ovaries during a hysterectomy, there is a risk for ovarian failure. If you have a seroma, your doctor may recommend that you have it removed with another surgery. Within several weeks, the rounded belly may flatten on its own. Exercise and an improved diet may be helpful. Some women experience weight gain as a side effect of hormonal changes following the surgery. With a partial hysterectomy, the cervix remains in place. During this time, you can allow the water to run over your incisions. Repeat about 10 times. How to Get a Flat Stomach Without Going on a Diet, 3 Ways to Help You Rebuild Muscles After Abdominal Surgery, University of Ohio Medical Center: Exercises After Your Hysterectomy, Kaiser Permanente: Abdominal Hysterectomy: What to Expect at Home, Healthline: The 30 Best Ways to Get a Flat Stomach. What side effects can you expect after a hysterectomy? Fylstra DL. But research also says risks for age-related health issues, like low bone mineral density and arthritis, are more common in women who had a hysterectomy before age 45. As you begin to do this, you may find that you tire easily. After a hysterectomy, it is common for the stomach to appear larger due to the loss of internal support for the abdominal organs, but there are many other reasons why it might seem bigger. Its important to keep an eye on the food youre eating if youre serious about getting rid of your swollen belly. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. What Causes Bowel Endometriosis After a Hysterectomy? These . Loss of ovarian hormones and accelerated somatic and mental aging. All rights reserved. After a hysterectomy, your abdomen will typically look smaller but you will still have excess fat, skin, and possible scar tissue. Stool incontinence. I lived with fibroids from 2007 - 2016. Wait to have sex until your surgical wounds have healed and vaginal discharge has stopped. Abdominal binders like a Belly Bandit Belly Wrap can help ease pain and discomfort, promote mobility, improve circulation, and support your core while you heal from major surgery. Remember that the tissues of your pelvic area have undergone a traumatic event and need to heal. A hysterectomy is generally safe, but with any major surgery comes the risk of complications. Your doctor can guide you through the process, but here are some things you should also consider: After any type of hysterectomy, your small and large intestines will fill most of the space your uterus previously occupied. A seroma can happen if you had a lot of bleeding during your surgery, which can cause blood and fluids to collect in your abdominal cavity. Below, well cover signs that you may have overdone it after a hysterectomy, activities to avoid, and when to seek medical care. A new study finds there is a connection between womens reproductive history and heart health. If you do the exercise for a few days and then leave it, it wont give you results. How Reproductive Factors Can Affect a Woman's Heart Health. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Copyright 2022 Canadian Grind, all rights reserved. If your ovaries arent removed during your hysterectomy, theyll stay in the same position after your surgery. 5th ed. Bleeding after a hysterectomy. Ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants in your fallopian tube, is possible after a hysterectomy. The uterus, also called the womb, is where a baby grows when someone is pregnant. During this time, theyll assess how your recovery is proceeding. 12 Secrets on How to Get Rid of Hanging Belly After C-, Copyright 2020 Flab Fix - All Rights Reserved |, Everything You Need to Know About Revitaa Pro, VigorNow reviews: Is it a scam or not? Well go over short-term side effects, potential risks, and long-term side effects to keep in. More than half of women who have a hysterectomy are younger than 44 years old. Talk with your doctor about how often you should have a Pap smear or other screening tests for cervical cancer. The swelling of the belly after hysterectomy is widespread. But more often than not, these adhesions are harmless and dont cause any noticeable symptoms. As you recover, be patient and listen to your body. Chief among them is menstruation. Accessed Oct. 19, 2022. Exhale softly with each lift, then relax as you lower your head. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on For instance: Other parts of your life likely will return to how they were before surgery or get better. Next, theyll make two or three small incisions in the abdomen. Examples include: Generally speaking, its OK to drive when: This may be between 3 to 8 weeks after your hysterectomy. If you've recently undergone a hysterectomy, you may be wondering why your stomach is bigger. It's not just a reproductive organ - it's a symbol of femininity, of womanhood. A vaginal hysterectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing the uterus through the vagina. We use data about you for a number of purposes explained in the links below. It can also help remove milk and dairy products, as many people have problems with lactose intolerance that can cause gas and bloat. In addition, hysterectomies can cause hormone fluctuations which include bloating, similar to what you may have experienced just before getting your period. Mayo Clinic. Typically, youll visit your doctor for a follow-up 2 weeks after the hysterectomy. During that time: A hysterectomy changes some aspects of life. Bleeding after hysterectomy can be normal, but if you have too much bleeding, new bleeding, or heavy bleeding, it could mean there is a problem, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Read more: 10 Types of Low-Impact Exercise. In total and radical hysterectomies, the cervix is removed along with the uterus, and potentially other reproductive organs. To ensure proper healing, its important to wait several weeks after your hysterectomy to resume strength training and intense cardio. Side effects It. Depending on the procedure that you had, you may also have sutures on your abdomen, inside your vagina, or both. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Nov. 21, 2022. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Should I use hormone therapy after surgery? Well go over short-term side effects, potential risks, and long-term side effects to keep in. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. Should I Keep My Cervix when I Have My Hysterectomy? Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. If there's a chance you might want to become pregnant in the future, ask your health care provider about other treatment options. Learning the correct deep abdominal muscle activation technique is the key step for safe and effective abdominal exercise after hysterectomy surgery. Blaustein A. Signs of overexertion include increased pain, vaginal discharge or bleeding, or drainage from your incision.