Effects of Hysterectomy on Sexuality

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After a hysterectomy there will be a period of time when sexual activity is restricted. This is generally about 6 weeks. After this period, normal activity can resume.

The effects of hysterectomy on sexuality may depend a lot on the individual woman and her circumstances. For example, if a woman decided to have a hysterectomy because she was suffering from painful fibroids that interfered with normal sexual intimacy, sex may actually be more enjoyable after the hysterectomy.

Other women who have been concerned about pregnancy may also feel enhanced enjoyment because anxiety over getting pregnant is resolved. Other women may report that they have a reduced sex drive and that sex is less pleasurable when it occurs. This may be due in part to hormonal changes associated with the loss of ovaries. Hormone replacement therapy may help balance this out.

Also vaginal dryness may happen more frequently and that may make sex uncomfortable. Using personal lubricants may make sex more pleasurable for both partners if this happens. The effects of hysterectomy on sexuality can be complicated for some women because of the emotional repercussions of a hysterectomy.

Some women feel a loss of femininity after the procedure. This can be do to societal expectations about women or the individual expectations of the woman. In addition, a hysterectomy initiates menopause in women who were premenopausal before surgery and a woman will now be experiencing other uncomfortable sensations such as hot flashes and night sweats that may impact intimacy.

There is every reason to be optimistic about resuming a normal sex life after a hysterectomy. There are therapies available for women who are experiencing difficulty with the effects of a hysterectomy on sexuality such as hormone replacement and using lubricants. Communication between partners and patience will also go a long way to restore intimacy.

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February 28, 2008 | Filed Under Womens Health 

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