Doctors generally tell women not to have penetrative sex after hysterectomy until all scars and bleeding are healed. However, each woman heals at a different pace.
If you want to begin sex again, listen to your body and your partner’s guidance. Start with external stimulation and move on to penetration gradually. Most women say sex after a hysterectomy feels the same or better than before.
6 Weeks After Surgery
Women who choose to have a hysterectomy often do so because they have tried other treatments for conditions like painful fibroids, cancer of the uterus, ovarian cysts or endometriosis, and they’ve decided that it is their best option. Hysterectomies are fairly common procedures, but they raise a lot of questions for many patients and their partners about how this surgery will affect their lives, including sexual function.
Generally, doctors recommend waiting at least six weeks before having penetrative sex after a hysterectomy. This will give the incisions time to heal and for any vaginal bleeding or discharge to stop. But every patient is different, and it’s important to listen to your body and follow your doctor’s advice.
You may want to experiment with non-penetrative sex before the six week mark, though. That way, you can test out different positions and discover what feels good to you. It’s also a good idea to use quality water-based lubricants to improve physical comfort and avoid any irritation of the vaginal tissues.
A hysterectomy doesn’t usually change sensation in the vagina or make it harder for women to get orgasms. However, if the surgeon removed the ovaries during the procedure, it can alter sex drive because removing the ovaries can put you into early menopause, which can dry out the tissues of the vagina and make sex less enjoyable.
8 Weeks After Surgery
During the six weeks following hysterectomy, doctors recommend that women abstain from penetrative sex. This is to ensure that the inner and outer wounds have had adequate time to heal. If sex is attempted too soon, it can lead to bleeding and even reopen the wound.
Despite the warning against sex, most women report that their sexual drive returns once they have had enough healing time. This is especially true for women who had to endure painful or heavy menstrual periods prior to their hysterectomy. For these women, sex after hysterectomy may be even more satisfying than it was before surgery.
However, sex after hysterectomy can still be uncomfortable for some women. This is because the cervix contains nerves that are stimulated during sexual activity. These nerves are cut when the uterus is removed, which can make orgasms feel less intense. To help address this issue, some women choose to use lubricants during intercourse.
If the ovaries were also removed during the procedure, this can cause menopause and a decline in the production of oestrogen, which is essential for sexual desire. In these cases, hormone replacement therapy can be used to correct the problem.
12 Weeks After Surgery
Women who have had a hysterectomy often report less interest in sex, but this is normal and nothing to be alarmed about. A hysterectomy can affect libido for several reasons, including pain and discomfort during intercourse, loss of sexual desire, and the fact that a woman can no longer get pregnant. It also affects menstrual cycles and ovulation, and this can make some women feel unattractive.
Most doctors advise women to wait until six weeks after surgery before having penetrative sex. This is because the incision sites may be itchy and painful at this time, and an orgasm tenses muscles in the pelvic area, which can strain healing wounds. In addition, women should avoid putting anything into the vagina, such as sex toys and lubricants, until this point.
Some women who have had a hysterectomy find that they can still have orgasms without penetrative sex. However, this depends on how the surgeon performed the procedure. If the cervix was removed, for example, this can cut nerves that are stimulated during sex.
During a total hysterectomy, the entire uterus and cervix are removed. This is a common surgery that can treat fibroids, ovarian cysts, or cervical cancer. In some cases, the doctor may remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries as well. Removing the ovaries causes a sudden drop in estrogen and sends the patient into what is called surgical menopause.
6 Months After Surgery
Women who have a total hysterectomy remove their uterus, cervix and fallopian tubes. They are considered to be in menopause immediately and may experience a change in their sex drive due to the removal of their ovaries. However, most women find that their sexual drives return to normal once they have fully recovered from their surgery.
The best way to determine when you are ready for sex again is to listen to your body. If you experience a lack of desire, it is a good idea to speak with your doctor about possible causes. He or she can suggest treatment options such as safe and effective local vaginal hormones, female arousal gel or sex toys.
It is important to remember that you will need to use personal lubricants during intercourse and to avoid positions that might rub on the incision sites. In addition, you should practice Kegel muscle drills to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and prevent damage to the area.
Many women have a hysterectomy to relieve pain or improve health conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids or ovarian cysts. Despite this, it is not uncommon to worry that having a hysterectomy will change their sexual desires and quality of life. However, it is essential to know that sex after a hysterectomy can still be pleasurable and even more intimate with patience, careful preparation, and the right support.
