Side effects of surgery

After surgery for cervical cancer, you may have some side effects.

Problems with how the bladder works

If some of the nerves to the bladder were removed during the hysterectomy, you may feel that you’re not able to empty your bladder completely or that you’re emptying your bladder too slowly. These problems improve with time. You may find that you leak some urine after surgery. This is called urinary incontinence. For more on this, see Bladder changes.

Constipation

The pain medicines used during and after surgery can cause constipation (difficulty having bowel movements). Your treatment team may suggest medicines to help prevent or relieve constipation. Once your surgeon says you can get out of bed, walking around can also help. For more on this, see Bowel changes.

Lymphoedema

Sometimes removing lymph nodes in the pelvic area can stop or slow the natural flow of lymphatic fluid. This may cause lymphoedema, which is a build-up of fluid in the soft tissues under the skin. For more on this, see Lymphoedema.

Menopause

If your ovaries are removed and you have not been through menopause, removal will cause sudden menopause. After menopause, you will stop having periods and you will not be able to become pregnant. For more on this, see Menopause.

Impact on sexuality

The physical and emotional changes you have after surgery may affect how you feel about sex, but surgery doesn’t change the ability to feel pleasure. For more on this, see Impact on sexuality and intimacy.

Internal scar tissue (adhesions)

Tissues in the pelvis may stick together. Sometimes adhesions to the bowel or bladder may cause abdominal pain or discomfort. Rarely, adhesions may need to be treated with surgery.

Podcast: Making Treatment Decisions

Listen to more of our podcast for people affected by cancer