Sex after hysterectomy

[Bishbashbosh24]

Hello!

I'm likely to need a hysterectomy. Total but with ovaries left. Not sure yet if keyhole or open, its to remove fibroids. I'm 47.

I'm single but sexually active with someone, sex is really important to me.

Does any have any post-op experiences to share? How long did it take to get you back in the saddle? Did it feel different for you/ him? Any tips?

I can't stand my current symptoms (constant bleeding) but I'm also nervous about the op and recovery.

Thanks!

I don’t know if my story is unique or typical for a hysterectomy but sex was impossible for me after my hysterectomy (10 years ago), penetration just wasn’t possible as I developed vaginismus as a result of the op. I had a lot of therapy (physio and counselling) and after about 5 years I was able to have sex again (but my psychologist - who was specialised in vaginismus- said I was lucky as many clients never manage). While I am able to have sex again, it’s not always comfortable. Deep thrusting is painful(as the vagina isn’t that long anymore).
Like I said, I don’t know how common this is. I know I’m not the only one unable to have sex after a hysterectomy, but I don’t know if this applies to a minority or majority who of women post hysterectomy. It sucks, but it is what it is and there is a reason one needs a hysterectomy, so I would focus on that first. Your health is important. Sex is nice, but you can get used to finding non penetrative ways of pleasuring each other.

My DP had one very many years ago and from what I can recall sex was off the menu for about 2 months but we did other things. Not anal!

I had a radical hysterectomy resulting in a 10” vertical scar from just under my ribs to top of my pubic bone. PIV sex (we did oral or mutual masturbation) was off the cards for about 2/3 months partly because of me being conscious of my scar and also husband worrying about hurting me. When we did resume PIV we took things very slowly. My husband didn’t notice any difference in feeling etc. It’s also important to do your post surgery exercises. They do help.

Mine removed cervix, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes. (Vaginal hysterectomy.) I think there was no sex for the initial 6 weeks- then back to normal. No negative effects whatsoever (despite reading all sorts of frightening things about cervix removal). In fact sex is much more comfortable. No regrets at all.

Incidentally, the reason mine was vaginal & removed the cervix was that the surgeon who operated on me refuses to do any keyhole hysterectomies. His speciality is gynaecological cancers (though I did not see him for this- I had adenomyosis) & his view is apparently that since before a hysterectomy it can never be conclusively be established that cancer is not present, keyhole surgery is unsafe & the procedure should be either performed vaginally, or by the big cut across the abdomen (sorry I can’t remember its medical name).

Interesting @LadyBlakeneysHanky so to be clear, did you have an incision? Seems so many ways this procedure is done so apologies if a silly question. Yes, I'm in the grips of reading a few scare stories, so this has helped!