Patient's question:
Detailed medical condition and consultation purpose: I underwent a subtotal hysterectomy in February 0202. However, I have had a small amount of menstruation every month, with very little flow—just enough to use sanitary pads—and the timing follows my menstrual cycle. I don’t know if this is a normal physiological phenomenon!Doctor's answer:
Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure where the uterus is not completely removed; some or most of it is retained. This can still result in menstruation and the possibility of pregnancy, so contraceptive measures should be taken. After a hysterectomy, there are three possible scenarios for vaginal bleeding:1. The cervix is preserved during the surgery. Since residual endometrial cells remain on the cervix, influenced by the cyclical fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone, light bleeding may still occur during the menstrual period.
2. The cervix has been removed, but the remaining vaginal stump becomes inflamed, forming granulation tissue. Mechanical irritation, such as during sexual activity, can cause vaginal bleeding. This bleeding is not cyclical.
3. During a hysteromyoma surgery, cervical inflammation may also be present. Even if the tumor is removed, cervical inflammation may later develop into malignancy, leading to bleeding. This bleeding is also non-cyclical.
Based on your situation, there is no inflammation, and the bleeding is very regular, which falls under the first scenario and poses no adverse health effects. However, if the bleeding becomes irregular, it is important to be vigilant about other potential conditions and seek timely gynecological examination.