Sex After Your Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is an operation in which a surgeon removes the uterus. Often women look for alternatives to this procedure, fearing a loss of sexual function and interest. The ovaries are responsible for producing hormones pertinent to sexual function. If the ovaries are left in place, thes hormones will continue to be produced.

There are women who report an experience of even greater sexual pleasure after a hysterectomy, especially if prior to the operation they had a significant amount of bleeding and pain prior to surgery. Other women are more relaxed just because they no longer worry about a pregnancy. Then there are women who experience lower sexual enjoyment. There are a number of reasons for this, some which are not fully understood.

Uterine contractions and pressure pressed against the cervix add to sexual pleasure. Some feel a decrease in pleasure due to the loss of hormones, especially if the ovaries have been removed. Loss of these hormones can produce vaginal dryness and make sex painful. Hormone replacement therapy can bring relief. Vaginal dryness can be easily remedied with vaginal gels or lubricant.

For some women, the decrease in sexual pleasure is brief during the period she and her partner are adjusting to a new way of sexually interacting. Arousal vary from woman to woman which makes it unpredictable how a hysterectomy will affect an individual.

Here are suggestions that may help some overcome sexual difficulties:
•If you feel your sexual reaction has altered, it may be a state of mind that causes you to worry about changes. Try some relaxation techniques. Also realize that after surgery it is normal for your mind to take more time to prepare your body for sex.

•You and your partner may be anxious the first time the two of you are together. Do not ignore these feelings-talk to one another and be honest about what you are experiencing.

•Because vaginal dryness is common, use lubricants such as KY jelly to help make intercourse more pleasurable.

•A dry vagina may be caused by a hormone deficiency if the ovaries have been removed. Make sure you talk to your physician about Hormone replacement therapy or HRT.

•After surgery, a partner penetrating too deeply will cause pain during intercourse in the first few months after surgery. Try different positions and angles of penetration.

•Don't try having sex too soon after surgery. Allow at least six weeks for vaginal healing. Your physician has the final say on when it is safe to resume sexual intercourse. Don't be afraid to your physcian pointed questions in order to receive detailed information.

At first the vagina may seem shorter, but resuming sexual intercourse will gradual stretch the vaginal tissues.

Psychological changes can also be the cause of sexual changes:
•Being able to reproduce is apart of many women's sexual identity. With the loss of her uterus, a portion of her cervix, and sometimes her ovaries, she feels less confident. Some women worry about the loss of femininity.
•The concern over a spouse's reaction may cause a woman a great deal of angst.

If you have any of these emotional concerns, or other similar concerns, please seek the help of a licensed psychologist or licensed therapist. Being informed about all the potential effects, physically and psychologically, of a hysterectomy are key to regaining a fulfilling sexual life.