Is It Okay to Push When Pooping After a Hysterectomy?

That first post-op poop can be terrifying. You’ve just had major surgery down there and now it’s time to push – but is that safe? You desperately need to go, but straining feels like it could rip your insides apart. Talk about high-stakes pooping!

The good news is you absolutely can and should have a bowel movement after a hysterectomy. Pushing to poop won’t actually tear any internal stitches or freshly healed incisions. However, you do need to take precautions to avoid constipation and excessive straining. Be sure to stay on top of stool softeners, laxatives, walking, and hydration as prescribed by your doctor. Take your time and relax as much as possible when nature calls. Don’t force anything if you don’t feel ready. With care and patience, you’ll get through this post-op poop anxiety.

Now that you know it’s okay to poop after hysterectomy, let’s explore exactly what to expect and how to make it easier on your recovering body.

What to Expect After a Hysterectomy

During a hysterectomy the doctor removes part or all of the uterus. This major surgery impacts the abdominal area, including:

Incisions through abdominal tissues
Internal stitches to stop bleeding
Possible bowel manipulation

As a result, your digestive system needs time to recover. You can expect:

No bowel movement for several days after surgery.
Gas and loose stool at first as the bowels restart.
Hard, constipated stools later as pain meds slow digestion.
Discomfort, pressure, or cramping with the first movements.

But your bowels should return to normal functioning within a week or two as swelling subsides and strength returns.

Is Pushing to Poop Dangerous After Surgery?

Many women worry that the effort of pushing could damage healing tissues or open incisions. But as long as you avoid straining, pushing is perfectly safe.

Here’s why:

Incisions – External incisions are closed tight with sutures and heal quickly. Gentle internal pressure won’t affect them.
Internal Stitches – Doctors use dissolvable sutures inside which withstand normal bodily stresses.
Bowel Manipulation – Any handled bowel is stitched securely back into place.

So while you want to be gentle, you don’t need to fear normal pooping. Just take precautions against constipation and excessive straining.

Tips for Pooping After a Hysterectomy

Getting your bowels moving smoothly again takes patience and care. Try these tips:

Stay on Schedule with Stool Softeners

Take over-the-counter stool softeners like Colace as directed to avoid constipation.
Wean off narcotic painkillers quickly since they trigger constipation.
Drink lots of fluids to keep the stool soft.

Use Laxatives if Needed

Try a gentle stimulant laxative like Senokot or Milk of Magnesia if stools remain hard.
Don’t use harsh laxatives that cause cramping.
Check with your doctor about when to start laxatives if stools don’t pass after 2-3 days.

Poop When You Feel the Urge

Listen to your body and poop when you first feel the need to go.
Ignoring the urge allows stool to dry out and get harder to pass.
Relaxing on the toilet for 5-10 minutes after the initial passing may allow the rectum to empty fully.

Go Slow and Stop Pushing If Painful

Take your time and breathe deeply while bearing down.
Push steadily rather than forcefully.
Stop pushing if you feel pain or tearing sensations.
Try again in a few hours if unsuccessful.

Stay Active with Light Walking

Walking stimulates the bowels and helps gas pain.
Start with 5-10 minutes twice a day, increasing gradually.
Support your abdomen with one hand or a pillow when moving about.

Follow these steps, and that first poop won’t be nearly as scary. But call your doctor if you go more than 3-4 days without a bowel movement to discuss adjusting medications or trying other laxatives.

Pooping Tips for Each Stage of Recovery

Your pooping needs will change as you progress from surgery to full recovery. Follow these tips tailored for each stage:

Early Recovery (1-4 days after surgery)

Expect no bowel movement yet and minimal urges.
Drink caffeine coffee if doc approves to stimulate the bowels.
Begin taking stool softeners to avoid future constipation.
Limit narcotic pain meds – use ibuprofen or acetaminophen instead.
Walk for 5-10 minutes twice a day.

First Bowel Movement (4-7 days after surgery)

Go slowly and stop pushing if painful.
You may pass loose stool or thick, hard pieces initially.
Drink lots of fluids like warm broths.
Try a glycerin suppository if unable to go after 4-5 days.

2 Weeks After Surgery

Taper off narcotics completely by now.
Drink a fiber supplement like Metamucil to form bulkier stool.
Take daily stool softeners and mild laxatives proactively.
Increase walking to 15-20 minutes 3 times per day.
Limit straining during bowel movements.

4+ Weeks After Surgery

Expect bowel movements to normalize by now.
Wean off laxatives and stool softeners.
Continue drinking lots of fluids and getting light exercise.
Eat high fiber foods like fruits, veggies and whole grains.
Notify your doctor if constipation persists.

Be patient and listen to your body. With diligent bowel care, you’ll be back to regular, pain-free pooping soon.

When to Call the Doctor About Pooping Issues

Contact your surgeon if you experience:

No bowel movement 4-5 days after surgery. May need stronger laxatives.
Persistent constipation or hard-to-pass stools. An adjustment in medications or supplements may help.
Bloody stool or severe abdominal pain when pooping. Could signal an internal complication.
Inability to pass stool or gas. Bowel obstruction may be developing.
Fevers, vomiting, or signs of dehydration. Alert for infection.

Don’t hesitate to call about pooping problems after hysterectomy. Staying ahead of constipation and other issues makes recovery much smoother.

The Bottom Line

That first bowel movement after hysterectomy can seem daunting. But with care and patience, you can poop safely without damaging healing tissues or stitches.

Listen to your body, stay ahead with stool softeners and laxatives, and don’t strain excessively. With time, your bowel function will return to normal. Pooping after hysterectomy requires mindfulness, but taking it slow will get you through this challenging milestone.