Sex After a Hysterectomy (and Advice for Husbands)
If you are a woman (or her husband) and worried about sex after a hysterectomy, this article is for you! In this article we will discuss how the different types of hysterectomy affect your sex life, how long to wait to have sex, and what happens to hormone levels, libido, and sexual function.
What is a Hysterectomy?
It's a surgical procedure to remove the uterus, often employed to treat conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, and various cancers.
How does a Hysterectomy affect sex life?
It depends on what type of hysterectomy: partial hysterectomy (only uterus removed) or bilateral oophorectomy (both ovaries removed).
How does a Partial Hysterectomy (only uterus removed) affect sex?
Generally, if only the uterus is removed, it might not significantly affect sexual activity in the long term.
How soon can I start having sex after a partial hysterectomy?
It’s recommended to refrain from sex for about six weeks post-surgery to allow for healing. After this period, many resume their sex life.
How does a Bilateral Oophorectomy (both ovaries removed) affect sex?
About 50% of hysterectomies include the removal of the ovaries, especially in cases involving cancer.
Why remove the ovaries? Do hysterectomies affect libido?
Though vital for hormone production, ovaries might be removed to reduce the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers. This drastically reduces estrogen levels, leading to changes like natural treatment for vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and possible painful intercourse.
What Happens to Estrogen Levels and Testosterone Levels after a Hysterectomy?
Post-hysterectomy, especially after oophorectomy, you might face a significant drop in estrogen and testosterone. Estrogen is crucial for maintaining healthy reproductive tissues, while testosterone is linked to libido. Therefore a lack of estrogen or testosterone results in vaginal atrophy (shrinking and drying of the vaginal tissues) and a decreased sex drive.
Can I take Estrogen Replacement Therapy?
It’s generally not advised to supplement estrogen post-hysterectomy due to the increased risk of hormone-sensitive cancers. This presents a dilemma for those seeking relief from menopausal symptoms post-surgery.
Can I take Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
While testosterone has been explored for treating sexual dysfunction, its effectiveness is limited, and the potential side effects are significant.
Tips for Sex after a Hysterectomy: What are Non-Hormonal Options for Restoring Sexual Tissues and Libido?
Fortunately, there are non-hormonal methods available that can support women facing sexual dysfunction post-hysterectomy:
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Vaginal lubricants and vaginal moisturizer
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Vaginal dilators
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Non-invasive treatments like laser therapy
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NeuEve (which works by topical nourishment)
What is NeuEve and how does it work?
NeuEve is designed to support issues like painful sex and vaginal dryness using nutrients similar to how calcium and vitamin D support bone health. It's a safe, natural, and hormone-free option that has been positively received by many women, including those post-hysterectomy.
There is hope and potential for a fulfilling sex life after hysterectomy, and exploring these options can be a crucial step toward recovery and comfort.
How to manage stubborn vaginal dryness and painful sex safely?
How to manage vaginal dryness and painful sex for cancer survivors?
Your comment that a hysterectomy does not impact sex is erroneous in my case. At the age of 37, I had a total hysterectomy (removal of ovaries and uterus) due to precancerous lesions and cysts on my ovaries. I saw improvement by using a hormone replacement patch. I had only been remarried for a couple of years, and believe me I wanted to have sex with my husband. I don’t think the actual desire for sex would have returned without hormones. And the hormone replacement also helped my bones and heart. A bone scan at 68 years of age found my bones to be like those of a 30 year old. I had no heart issues or high blood pressure. I suffered no harm whatsoever from taking hormone replacement therapy. I certainly would highly recommend it.
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NeuEve replied:
Hi Brenda, thank you so much for sharing your experience – and I’m truly glad hormone therapy supported you so well after such a major surgery.
You’re absolutely right that a hysterectomy can impact vaginal tissue, comfort, and libido, especially with surgical menopause. Our point was not that sex is always unaffected, but that many women can restore comfort again when vaginal atrophy and painful intercourse are addressed directly. As comfort returns, desire often follows naturally.
NeuEve is simply a safe, natural, non-hormonal option for long-term vaginal tissue support, and we also encourage postmenopausal women to prioritize pelvic and bone support as well. If you ever want an effective natural alternative, we’re always here to help.
Do you have any products helpful for clitoral atrophy/shrinkage?
AFTER MY SURGERY I DIDN’T FEEL LIKE SEX OR IN THE MOOD AFTER MONTHS WENT BY I GOT IN THE MOOD SOME. I AM TIGHT AND MY HUSBAND AND I GET PHYSCIAL SO WE TRY AND IT HURTS AND IT FEELS LIKE IM A VIRGIN ALL OVER AGAIN.. PLEASE HELP AND GIVE ME ADVICE…
Painful sex due to vagina seems to tight and has lost elasticity. What product is the best?
Hi! And thank you for your quick response and articles. My question, that I don’t see any answered in any of that is what ingredients are in neueve ??
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