Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Bleeding 12 years after hysterectomy

What could be the possible reasons for vaginal bleeding when a woman has not had her uterus or cervix for nearly 12 years? In 1994, I had a total hysterectomy (removal of my uterus, cervix, & one ovary). My cervix was removed because of pre-cancerous tissues. I began experiencing a vaginal discharge in Nov. 2005 after recommencing sexual relations after abstaining for six years.  Also in Nov. 2005 I noticed old blood coming from the vaginal area (it was brown) and a slight smell.  I thought maybe the sex was too hard. I was checked in December 2005 by my general practitioner for STDs and HIV.  All the rest results came back normal and/or negative.  The smell and discharge decreased; almost faded totally away.  But now in January 2006, although I have not had intercourse since November 2005, I began smelling the smell again and the discharge has increased.  It has changed in its look and consistency.  It has been white, milky, but lately it has been somewhat watery.  Recently I had a rush discharge where I had to run to the restroom. There was blood on my dress.  The blood is pink.  I went to my primary care physician who said I had a bladder infection because she thought I was bleeding from my urine are and she prescribed an antibiotic.  She did not do a pap smear.  I went to a different doctor later that day and she did a pap smear.  She confirmed that I was actually bleeding from the vaginal area, more specifcally I believe she said from my vaginal cuff.  I am nervously and anxiously awaiting the results.  What are possibilities?
201 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I am searching for answers for my questions, and I stumbled upon this site. I try not to google too much because the internet can either fear you or calm you, however I am glad I found this site. I had extreme bleeding for about 1.5 yrs before i had my first ablation. For the women who have gone through this, you'll understand how the bleeding takes over your life! Then the bleeding stops, and you think you can cope until the next time you bleed again. I had my first ablation March 2012 with the balloon thermal procedure. Since I had the Essure procedure done in 2009, nova sure ablation was not approved for use with the Essure procedure. In March 2014, I was heavily bleeding again. To rule out endometrial cancer,  I had uterine and cervical biopsies, which by the way, hurt like #*^$&. The tests results were benign and i was calmed. To help reduce/stop the abnormal bleeding and because my doctor is very progressive, he gave me three options to help with the bleeding: do nothing and wait for menopause ( i was about to be 50 in 2014), have a hysterectomy or a second ablation: a novasure procedure. Usually doctors only perform one uterine ablation, however, my doctor knows my medical history, and believed a second one would be safe. I chose a nova sure ablation. Before he performed the procedure, while i was knocked out with versed, he did a D&C on my uterus. Those results came back positive.  Less than 1% of women have a false negative with uterine and cervical biopsies. I was diagnosed with complex hyperplasia without atypia. This time my choices were a hysterectomy or Provera -the med that stops cell growth. If i chose Provera though, the doctor warned me that if it didn't work, I would be in a life-threatening situation within a  year. That decision was a no-brainer -  chose the hysterectomy however I was also prescribed Provera. On Feb 18, 2015, I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy - removing my uterus, cervix and fallopian tubes. My recovery has been great, and I feel wonderful. It's amazing how we women get used to all the bleeding, and when it stops, the anxiety stops, the bleeding stops... you just begin to feel 'normal' again. you feel in control of your body and more important your life again. This past week, though i've notice after urination, that i think there's a slight pink tint. but then again, after so many years, you get used to seeing pink/red/brown all the time, so i thought it was in my head. this morning, i realized it was not in my head; I am bleeding again, red fresh blood. I called my doctor, and i have an appt Tuesday, May 26, which happens to be my 51st birthday. how ironic is that ~groan~  I am calmed only by the fact that my bleeding wasn't urgent enough to warrant an immediate examination.  I have no symptoms of infection, i haven't had sex since my surgery, and i am not in any pain. after reading some of y'all  posts, i feel better thinking that my post-hysterectomy bleeding may be a kidney infection, bladder infection - perhaps something that isn't serious. I just want my bleeding to stop! i am back to wearing a panty liner. there isn't much information on 12 weeks post hysterectomy bleeding, and I don't want to do much researching because as I stated earlier - the internet can calm you or fear you. I have been on an emotional roller coaster, and I just want some emotional peace and relaxation. i am trying not to think too much,and  wait until Tuesday for my exam. it's going to be a long memorial weekend though. thank you to the women who post their experiences - it helps.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I found this blog helpful but agree with comments no one came back to share this experience post testing. So I hope this comments helps readers.

I had a partial hysterectomy 15 years ago, due to severe endometriosis, and I am now 52. After surgery I retained my left ovary and cervix. A few weeks ago I experienced a bloody discharge. As many state here, it was quite scary when you no longer have a uterus. A few days later another discharge but this time yellowy and tinged brown. Then after urinating the tissue was tinged with brighter blood - barely noticeable but frightening because it was brighter; thus another change. unlike the other posts,  I did not have any unpleasant odors. Throughout this process I was in touch with my Drs office awaiting the weekend for my appointment. It is true, if you have any blood post your uterus being removed it MUST be investigated but there are many causes.

I have a bacterial infection called vaginosis which is being treated with an antibiotic gel. During this process bloodwork was drawn to elevate my stage of menopause. I learned that I am post menopausal which means I am no longer producing estrogen. The dr explained the vagina needs estrogen to clean out the typical bad bacterial and vaginosis can be common for women who no longer produce estrogen. As stated, the gel was prescribed to rid the infection but my question was, " how can I prevent this going forward?"  The dr prescribed a low dose estrogen pill that you insert into the vagina twice a week. since the hormone is inserted directly into the vagina it is not absorbed into the blood system like other hormone replacements.

I sincerely hope this post helps as I too was frustrated there were no results posted. However at the same time comforted by how many women were going through the same situation.  

Good luck
Helpful - 0
9532190 tn?1436465074
I know this is an old post but as I had a concern myself and didn't see any answers but just concerned women I wanted to say to those who are searching for comfort go to google search type in Brown discharge NO pain -8 years post op | Hysterectomy hystersisters .I hope someone will be helped even if just a little by this.(Revelation 21:3,4)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank u so much for the reply I think it will be helpfull to alot of us
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My aunt has suffered bleeding like many of you women she is very scared. I stumbled upon this site on accident and it has really helped my aunt, she is not as scared as she was but she is going to contact her G.P to find out the source. Thanks to all the women who have posted their results on here because it has really helped.
lea
Helpful - 0
12806468 tn?1427323904
Hello Everyone,
               I am 42 yrs old and in 2009 I had a hysterectomy w/the removal of my cervix and my left ovary. As recently as last week I experienced for the first time some vaginal bleeding. Of course it was the weeked, so I called my gyn and he told me to go to the ER and upon examination the ER physician who was moonlighting meaning just there to stabalize a pt so they won't die told me that he saw scaring on my cervix and I should get checked for an std. This was after I told him about my hysterectomy, my mesh and other surgeries and that I had been married for over 15 yrs. I was appalled to say the least. To make a long story short I came home and this was the first sight I found to help me understand what could possible be wrong. I did follow up my gyn and everything is A ok. All test came back negative. He told me that is was normal for me to experience some bleeding and discharge at certain times and that I may need to monitor my stress levels and my diet. Also think about looking into using vaginal creams.  I just wanted you all to know how informative and helpful these comments and posts have been. There are physicians that look at you as just an insured patient and nothing more. We have to help each other and I want to just say Thank you!      
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Women's Health Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
Normal vaginal discharge varies in color, smell, texture and amount.
Bumps in the genital area might be STDs, but are usually not serious.
Chlamydia, an STI, often has no symptoms, but must be treated.
From skin changes to weight loss to unusual bleeding, here are 15 cancer warning signs that women tend to ignore.