Is It Ok To Push To Poop After Hysterectomy
Wondering if it's safe to push to poop after hysterectomy? Learn why straining should be avoided in early recovery, risks involved, and gentle strategies for healthy bowel movements to support your healing process.
Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 9th Jul, 2025
Introduction
A hysterectomy is a major surgery that involves the removal of the uterus, and sometimes other reproductive organs. Recovery can take time, and one common concern many women have after the procedure is about bowel movements—specifically, whether it’s safe to push when trying to poop.
If you've recently had a hysterectomy, you might be worried about straining or causing harm to your healing body. Let’s discuss what’s normal, what to avoid, and how to make bowel movements easier during recovery.
Why Bowel Movements Can Be Difficult After a Hysterectomy?
After a hysterectomy, your body needs time to heal. Several factors can contribute to constipation or difficulty passing stool, including:
Pain Medications – Many women are prescribed opioids after surgery, which can slow down digestion and lead to constipation.
Reduced Physical Activity – Moving less during recovery can slow bowel movements.
Changes in Diet – If you’re not eating enough fiber or drinking enough water, stool can become hard and difficult to pass.
Swelling and Internal Healing – The surgery itself can cause temporary swelling or sensitivity in the pelvic area, making bowel movements uncomfortable.
Is It Safe to Push After a Hysterectomy?
Pushing too hard to poop can put extra pressure on your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles, which are still healing. Straining may:
Increase discomfort or pain
Raise the risk of hemorrhoids
Potentially affect surgical healing
Instead of straining, try these gentler methods to help with bowel movements:
1. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water (at least 8-10 glasses a day) to keep stools soft.
2. Eat Fiber-Rich Foods
Include fruits (like apples, pears, and prunes), vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in your diet.
3. Move Gently
Light walking (as approved by your doctor) can help stimulate digestion.
4. Use a Stool Softener (If Needed)
Overthecounter stool softeners (like docusate sodium) can help, but check with your doctor first.
5. Try a Foot stool
Placing your feet on a small stool while sitting on the toilet can help align your colon for easier elimination.
6. Relax and Breathe
Take slow, deep breaths instead of forcefully pushing.
Consult Top Gynaecologists
When to Seek Help?
If you experience:
Severe pain during bowel movements
No bowel movement for more than 3-4 days
Bleeding or extreme discomfort
Signs of a bowel obstruction (vomiting, severe bloating)
contact your doctor immediately.
Final Thoughts
It’s normal to have concerns about bowel movements after a hysterectomy, but straining too hard is not recommended. Instead, focus on gentle ways to encourage regularity. If problems persist, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
If you need personalized advice or followup care, you can book a consultation with a specialist on Apollo 24|7 for expert guidance.
Consult Top Gynaecologists
Consult Top Gynaecologists
Dr. Asawari Kesari Kapoor
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
23 Years • M.B.B.S, D.G.O(Mumbai) ,D.G.O (C.P.S), D.N.B (OBGY)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Ashish Kale
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
19 Years • MBBS, MD (OBG), DNB, MNAMS, Diploma in Endopelvic Surgery, Fellowship in Embryology, Fellowship in ART.
Pune
Apollo Hospitals Pune, Pune
Dr. Udhayakumari T
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
8 Years • MBBS., MS(OG), D.N.B (OG).,
Karur
Apollo Hospitals Allwyn Nagar, Karur
(275+ Patients)
Dr. Niti Vijay
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
12 Years • MBBS, MD
New Delhi
THE CLINICS, New Delhi
Dr. Deepika Negi
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
11 Years • MBBS,MS OBGYN
Greater Noida
SAMARPIT MEDICLINIC ORTHO and GYNAE CARE, Greater Noida
Consult Top Gynaecologists
Dr. Asawari Kesari Kapoor
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
23 Years • M.B.B.S, D.G.O(Mumbai) ,D.G.O (C.P.S), D.N.B (OBGY)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Ashish Kale
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
19 Years • MBBS, MD (OBG), DNB, MNAMS, Diploma in Endopelvic Surgery, Fellowship in Embryology, Fellowship in ART.
Pune
Apollo Hospitals Pune, Pune
Dr. Udhayakumari T
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
8 Years • MBBS., MS(OG), D.N.B (OG).,
Karur
Apollo Hospitals Allwyn Nagar, Karur
(275+ Patients)
Dr. Niti Vijay
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
12 Years • MBBS, MD
New Delhi
THE CLINICS, New Delhi
Dr. Deepika Negi
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
11 Years • MBBS,MS OBGYN
Greater Noida
SAMARPIT MEDICLINIC ORTHO and GYNAE CARE, Greater Noida
