What are the symptoms of the first menstrual period after hysteroscopic surgery?

Generally, the first menstrual symptoms after hysteroscopic surgery may include increased menstrual flow, prolonged menstrual period, mild abdominal pain, darker menstrual blood, and light spotting before menstruation. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Increased menstrual flow: The surgery may cause some irritation to the endometrium. During the healing process, a larger area of the endometrium might shed, resulting in a slightly heavier menstrual flow than usual, though generally within the normal range.

2. Prolonged menstrual period: The endometrium requires time to recover, and its shedding and regeneration rhythm may temporarily become disordered, causing the menstrual period to last longer than before. In most cases, the extension does not exceed one week.

3. Mild abdominal pain: Postoperative uterine contractions may be more noticeable than usual, or the shedding endometrium may stimulate the uterus, causing mild lower abdominal pressure or dull pain. The discomfort is generally mild and gradually subsides as menstruation ends.

4. Darker menstrual blood: Menstrual blood may remain in the uterine cavity for a longer time, increasing the degree of oxidation, which causes the menstrual blood to appear darker, such as dark brown or dark red. There may also be small blood clots.

5. Light spotting before menstruation: Incomplete endometrial recovery may lead to slight spotting for 1–2 days before the onset of regular menstruation. This is a common transitional phenomenon after surgery.

If the first menstrual period involves extremely heavy bleeding far beyond the usual amount, severe abdominal pain that is unbearable, or lasts longer than 10 days, medical attention is advised. Resting after surgery, avoiding fatigue, and maintaining external genital hygiene can help the body recover.