A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus and sometimes the cervix, ovaries, and Fallopian tubes. Hysterectomies are usually performed to treat serious health problems, such as endometriosis or cancer.
However, the surgery may impact sexuality in a variety of ways. Many women experience pain during sex after a hysterectomy, especially if the surgery included removal of the ovaries.
Vaginal Infections
If a woman experiences pain during sex after hysterectomy and there are signs of vaginal infection, she should consult with her doctor immediately. This includes pain that is burning, stinging or sharp. This may be a sign of an infection and should be treated with a course of antibiotics. It is also important to see a doctor if there is heavy bleeding, which can be caused by scar tissue and may require surgery.
Abnormal bleeding after a hysterectomy can be a result of a variety of factors, including cervical or vaginal lesions, surgical complications like hemorrhage, changes in hormones, or scar tissue. The surgery can also affect blood flow in the pelvic muscles, bladder and stomach. This can cause irritation and restrict the flow of nutrients to the area, resulting in pain during sex.
It is generally recommended that women who have undergone a hysterectomy wait 4-6 weeks to resume sexual activity. This time is necessary for healing after the surgery and to prevent a return of bleeding. It is also recommended that women seek consent from their partner and/or a specialist therapist for support with sex after hysterectomy. This will help to address any fears and anxieties that either partner may have. Women can then resume penetrative sexual intercourse with their partners when they have received medical clearance to do so.
Menopausal Symptoms
Women who have a total hysterectomy or oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) experience surgical menopause. The loss of ovaries means that the body isn’t producing estrogen, which can cause many menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. These can make sexual activity less pleasurable. Some women find that using a vaginal gel or lubricant helps with these symptoms.
A hysterectomy removes the uterus, cervix and sometimes other surrounding structures. Depending on the type of hysterectomy, there are different surgical methods, including abdominal or laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Surgical removal of the uterus can help treat non-cancerous tumors, such as fibroid tumors. It also can be a treatment for cancerous tumors of the uterus, such as endometrial carcinoma or ovarian cancer.
The most common type of hysterectomy is the radical hysterectomy, which is used to treat advanced stage uterine cancer and other diseases. Radical hysterectomy is usually performed after other treatment options, such as chemotherapy and radiation, have been unsuccessful.
Having your uterus removed doesn’t inherently affect your sexual function or change the quality of your sex life, but it can be difficult to return to normal sex after surgery. It’s important to honor the healing process, take care of yourself and know what to look out for to get back to pain-free sex. Talk to your doctor about pelvic floor physical therapy and hormonal support, such as hormone replacement therapy, to ease the transition back into sex.
Changes in Urinary Tract Function
A hysterectomy removes the uterus, and in some cases, the cervix and fallopian tubes. This surgery can change the function of your pelvic area and make sexual activity more difficult. It is common for women to experience pain during sex after a hysterectomy, and in some cases, this can be due to surgical complications or scar tissue. Other causes of sex pain after a hysterectomy are hormone fluctuations, vaginal dryness, and changes in nerve function.
A woman’s sensitivity to pain during penetration can be an early sign of hysterectomy-related sex problems. This can be due to the lengthening of the vulva or a lack of lubrication. If you are experiencing these symptoms, speak with your doctor to find a solution.
Women who have had a hysterectomy may also notice a change in their libido. This can be a result of having to take medication for their hysterectomy, or it could be a sign that they are starting menopause, which often decreases sex drive.
It is important to be honest with your partner about how you are feeling when you return to sexual activity after a hysterectomy. You should only resume penetrative sexual intercourse after medical approval. A sex therapist can help you and your partner work through any issues that might arise during sexual intercourse after a hysterectomy.
Changes in Muscle Tone
A hysterectomy can help prevent and treat conditions like uterine prolapse, endometrial hyperplasia or recurrent ovarian polyps that lead to cancer. It’s the second most common surgery for women. However, a hysterectomy isn’t without its side effects, including pain during sexual activity.
The pain that some women experience during sex after a hysterectomy can be caused by changes in muscle tone or the lack of hormones that normally contribute to vaginal lubrication and pleasure. It’s important for women who have experienced this type of sex to talk openly with their partners and explore alternative methods of sexual intimacy until they feel comfortable doing so again.
Another cause of pain during sex after a hysterectomy is reduced vaginal canal capacity, which can make it hard to achieve penetration. This is known as dyspareunia and is a normal part of the post-hysterectomy recovery process.
In addition to discussing the best time to resume sexual activity, it’s also a good idea for women who have had a hysterectomy to find a pelvic floor physical therapist to learn proper stretching and exercise techniques that can help reduce pain and discomfort during sex. Finally, it’s important for women who have had a hysterectomy, regardless of what type they had, to use a barrier method of birth control to protect against sexually transmitted infections.
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