A Woman's Guide To Sex After A Hysterectomy
It's estimated that around 600,000 women undergo hysterectomy operations every year. While a fairly common surgery, many women have a number of questions and misconceptions about how this surgery will impact their lives. This is especially true when it comes to sexual intercourse. If you or a loved one are planning to have a hysterectomy, it might be helpful to familiarize yourself with some of the changes you may or may not experience regarding your sexual health.
Will Sexual Desire Decrease?
Whether or not a woman has a total or partial hysterectomy will have a significant effect on her level of sexual desire. Those women who have their ovaries removed (a total hysterectomy) are more likely to experience a decrease in desire. The reason for this is a decrease in estrogen, a key hormone produced by the ovaries that is responsible for sexual arousal.
If you do experience a decrease in desire, your physician may be able to provide you with hormone replacement therapy to combat this issue. If you are only having a partial hysterectomy, this is a concern you should be able to avoid.
Does Intercourse Feel Different After Surgery?
There is a fairly common misconception that sex after a hysterectomy will feel different to you and your partner. This is simply not the case, whether you have a partial or total hysterectomy. Both your uterus and ovaries are located a distance away from the vaginal cavity in which intercourse takes place.
Their removal will have no impact on any sensations you or your partner experience. Should you have a total hysterectomy, the only difference you may experience is vaginal dryness. However, your physician may be able to provide you with a prescription to help treat this issue.
Is The Wait Period The Same After All Hysterectomies?
In the past, all hysterectomies were performed via a large incision that stretched across the entire width of the lower abdomen. Thanks to technological advancements, a less invasive robotic technology known as a da Vinci hysterectomy is now an option.
With this method, a small key-hole like incision is made near the belly button. In general, women who have traditional hysterectomies performed often have to wait longer to return to sexual intercourse than women who have the da Vinci method performed, due to an extended recovery period, overall.
A surgeon experienced with hysterectomies, such as those at Caring For Women, should be your primary source of reference when it comes to your sexual health after your operation. Make certain you are asking questions about your specific procedure to ensure you have a clear understanding.