Yes, FtM hysterectomy surgery can increase the risk of urinary incontinence. This is because the surgery removes the uterus, which helps to support the bladder. Without the uterus, the bladder is more likely to sag and leak urine.
The risk of urinary incontinence after FtM hysterectomy is about 10%. This risk is higher in people who have had previous pelvic surgery, are overweight or obese, or smoke.
There are a number of things that can be done to reduce the risk of urinary incontinence after FtM hysterectomy. These include:
- Choosing a minimally invasive surgery, such as a laparoscopic hysterectomy.
- Doing pelvic floor exercises before and after surgery.
- Losing weight if you are overweight or obese.
- Quitting smoking.
If you do experience urinary incontinence after FtM hysterectomy, there are a number of treatments available. These include:
- Kegel exercises
- Biofeedback
- Electrical stimulation
- Surgery
If you are considering FtM hysterectomy, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks of urinary incontinence. They can help you to decide if the surgery is right for you and discuss the best ways to reduce your risk.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- The National Association for Continence: https://www.nafc.org/
- The International Urogynecological Association: https://www.iuga.org/
- The American Urogynecologic Society: https://www.augs.org/
FtM (Female to Male) hysterectomy surgery itself does not typically increase the risk of urinary incontinence. However, it’s important to note that individual experiences may vary, and other factors, such as the surgical approach, underlying health conditions, or changes in pelvic floor muscle function, could potentially contribute to urinary incontinence.
During hysterectomy surgery, the uterus is removed, and in some cases, the cervix as well. These structures do not play a direct role in urinary control. However, if additional procedures are performed during the surgery, such as pelvic floor repair or bladder surgery, there may be a potential impact on urinary function.
Urinary incontinence, or the loss of bladder control leading to unintentional leakage of urine, can occur due to various factors unrelated to hysterectomy surgery. Common causes of urinary incontinence include weakened pelvic floor muscles, hormonal changes, chronic cough, obesity, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions.
If you have concerns about urinary incontinence or have experienced it prior to the surgery, it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider and the surgical team during the consultation. They can evaluate your individual situation, address any potential risk factors, and provide guidance on preventive measures or treatments to manage or minimize the risk of urinary incontinence.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and practicing pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises), can help support urinary control. It’s also important to report any changes or concerns about urinary function to your healthcare provider post-surgery, as they can assess your symptoms and recommend appropriate interventions if needed.
Overall, while FtM hysterectomy surgery itself does not typically increase the risk of urinary incontinence, it’s essential to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider to ensure appropriate evaluation, monitoring, and management of urinary function both before and after the surgery.