A “bigger stomach” and bloating are commonly reported side effects of a hysterectomy, with many possible causes, including post-surgical inflammation, gas, and hormonal changes related to uterus removal.

Whether performed via an abdominal or vaginal procedure, medical professionals consider a hysterectomy a major surgery. It’s common to experience side effects like bloating during your recovery.

Learn more about bloating after a hysterectomy, including why it develops, what you can do about it, and when you could consider speaking with your doctor.

Abdominal bloating refers to feelings of fullness or pressure or visible swelling of your abdomen. There are several possible causes of bloating after a hysterectomy.

Inflammation due to the surgery

Bloating may occur after an abdominal hysterectomy, an invasive surgery. Your abdominal muscles will take time to heal, and underlying inflammation may cause temporary swelling and tenderness.

Venous air embolism

Abdominal bloating may be a sign of venous air (gas) embolism. This occurs when air collects in your body, either from medical gases used during an operation or outside air inside the operating room.

A small, older study from 2009 indicates venous air embolism is a common occurrence in laparoscopic (vaginal) hysterectomies. Some instances of venous air embolism resolve on their own without further treatment. But doctors might consider other cases to be serious and they’ll treat it while you’re in the hospital.

Postoperative ileus

Medical professionals also refer to postoperative ileus as a loss of bowel function that can cause constipation, nausea, and bloating.

Medical professionals consider postoperative ileus a common occurrence with abdominal surgeries.

Side effects of anesthesia

Since a hysterectomy is a major surgery, a healthcare professional will give you general anesthesia. Anesthesia can cause a range of side effects, with some of the most common including nausea and vomiting. Temporary bloating is another anecdotal possibility.

Menopause

If a medical professional removes your ovaries as part of your surgery, you may experience menopausal side effects, which may include unintentional weight gain.

According to a 2021 narrative review, menopause increases the chance of accumulation of body fat in the abdominal area, which some people might mistake for bloating.

It’s difficult to establish an exact timeline for bloating after a hysterectomy. It may depend on the cause, management, and your overall health. However, as your body recovers from the surgery, all side effects should improve over time.

One consideration is the type of hysterectomy you have. On average, an abdominal hysterectomy carries the longest recovery time, with an average of 4 to 6 weeks to see side effects subside. A vaginal hysterectomy, on the other hand, may require up to 4 weeks for recovery.

Generally, postoperative ileus (loss of bowel function) lasts up to 3 days.

Reports of long-term bloating are common online among people who have undergone hysterectomies. More research is needed to understand the average timeline for hysterectomy-related bloating and the number of people who experience it long term.

Treatment for bloating after a hysterectomy depends on the underlying cause. Postoperative ileus lasts up to a few days. Medical professionals may suggest treating it with fluids and electrolytes in a hospital setting.

If you’re experiencing bloating related to postsurgery constipation, a doctor might recommend:

If you’re experiencing long-term bloating attributed to hormone-related weight gain, you could manage it with:

  • increased aerobic exercise (if the surgeon approves it)
  • resistance or strength-training exercises
  • diets that focus on plant-based foods
  • estrogen-containing medications

Even though bloating is a common side effect, it’s important to get medical help if it’s severe or significantly interferes with your quality of life.

Consider speaking with a doctor if you’re also experiencing symptoms of ascites. Ascites refers to excess fluid in the abdominal cavity, and can cause significant bloating, along with:

  • abdominal distension (extreme swelling), with or without pain
  • feeling full right after you start eating
  • shortness of breath
  • unexplained weight gain

A doctor may also want to explore whether your bloating is due to the hysterectomy or a possible symptom of another medical condition.

There are several reasons why your stomach might feel bigger after a hysterectomy. Medical professionals may attribute short-term bloating to side effects following surgery. These may improve during the natural recovery process.

Weakened abdominal muscles, unintentional weight gain, or an unrelated medical condition may cause long-term bloating.

Other common side effects of a hysterectomy include bleeding, constipation, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Also, you may experience symptoms of menopause if you had your ovaries removed.

As with other types of surgeries, a hysterectomy may pose the chance of both short-term and long-term side effects. While the exact incidence isn’t known, abdominal bloating is one possible adverse effect.

Bloating after a hysterectomy can be temporary or longer-lasting, depending on the underlying cause. Possible causes include incision swelling, bowel challenges, or hormonal changes.

If you’re experiencing significant abdominal bloating or any bloating that doesn’t improve after your expected recovery time, consider speaking with a doctor.