A vaginal cuff is the closure made at the top of the vagina after a hysterectomy. Your doctor may recommend antibiotics if you develop an infection in this area.

A hysterectomy is a common surgical procedure, but major and minor complications can still occur. One potential complication from a hysterectomy is a vaginal cuff infection.

A vaginal cuff is a closure created during a hysterectomy where the cervix used to be located. This area can become infected if bacteria enter the area during surgery or an infection spreads to the area from another part of the genital tract.

It’s important to follow any directions your doctor gives you to reduce your risk of infection.

A vaginal cuff is a closure made at the top of the vagina after a hysterectomy. It is located near where the cervix would be, and it may not be required in a partial hysterectomy.

A vaginal cuff infection means the tissues of a vaginal cuff have become infected. A vaginal cuff infection may also be known as vaginal cuff cellulitis.

You may be at a greater risk for a vaginal cuff infection if you have a longer surgery or a prolonged hospital stay. To allow for healing and reduce the risk of infection, you should avoid placing anything in your vagina for at least 6 weeks after surgery.

Signs and symptoms of a vaginal cuff infection may include:

  • pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis that increases over time
  • bleeding
  • swelling and skin discoloration
  • yellow discharge that smells
  • fever or chills

A vaginal cuff infection may be caused by bacteria entering the area during surgery. A vaginal cuff infection may also occur from an infection that extends upward from the lower genital tract.

There are many potential sources for bacteria and viruses during surgery, including your outer skin and other portions of the vaginal tract. Using cleansing wipes on the skin and vagina before surgery can help to reduce the risk of large amounts of bacteria entering the surgical area.

If you have concerns, your doctor can also answer any questions you may have about the sterilization of the operating room and the instruments they will be using.

You may be at a higher risk for a vaginal cuff infection if you:

  • have a prolonged surgery or extended hospital stay
  • have difficulty following the prescribed pre- and post-surgical hygiene practices
  • currently have other infections, particularly in the pelvic region
  • have sexual intercourse sooner than 6 weeks after your surgery
  • smoke
  • have diabetes
  • have obesity

If you experience symptoms of an infection following a hysterectomy, your doctor will perform a physical examination of the area. (The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) reports that even if you do not report signs of an infection, your doctor will likely schedule an exam 6 to 8 weeks after your hysterectomy to check on your healing and clear you to engage in more physical activities.)

For individuals with a vaginal cuff infection, your doctor may notice a greater-than-expected tenderness at the surgical edge during the physical inspection. This tenderness may be limited to the vaginal cuff specifically or be part of a larger infection.

Your doctor will assess how severe the signs of infection are and the areas affected when determining what treatments may be necessary.

Treatment for a vaginal cuff infection typically includes taking oral antibiotic medications. This can usually be done at home, but your doctor may want you to come in for an appointment after taking antibiotics to ensure that the infection has fully resolved.

When prescribing a medication to treat your vaginal cuff infection, your doctor may choose a broad-spectrum antibiotic if the specific germ source is unknown.

While many vaginal cuff infections can be treated at home with oral antibiotics, if the infection is severe or you have other health complications, you may need to be hospitalized to drain the area and receive intravenous (IV) antibiotics.

Many infections after a hysterectomy are not serious and can be successfully treated with antibiotics.

It’s always important to take any infection — especially after surgery — seriously.

Early detection and treatment of a vaginal cuff infection can prevent the infection from spreading or becoming more severe and prevent the need for further treatment such as hospitalization, drainage, or IV antibiotics.

What are the signs of infection after a hysterectomy?

Signs of infection after a hysterectomy may include:

  • fever
  • pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis
  • tenderness
  • unusual bleeding
  • yellow discharge with a strong smell

How long does it take for a vaginal cuff to heal?

Healing times after a hysterectomy can vary, but you should avoid placing anything in your vagina for at least 6 weeks and not lift anything heavy until you receive a doctor’s approval.

A vaginal cuff is a closure at the top of the vagina in a hysterectomy near where the cervix would be located prior to a hysterectomy. This area may become infected after a hysterectomy because of contamination during the surgery or after an infection that extends upward from the lower genital tract.

Signs of a vaginal cuff infection can include a fever, worsening pain in the area, and yellow discharge with a strong odor. If you believe that you have an infection following any type of surgery, it’s important to let your doctor know.

Especially when caught early, a vaginal cuff infection may be easily treated with oral antibiotics.