Beyond Surgery: Keys to a Fulfilling Sex Life After Hysterectomy
On the day of your surgery, you may wake up feeling nervous, yet eager for a new beginning. The surgery goes well and initially, everything seems fine. However, as time passes, you may encounter new challenges. Perhaps you had endometriosis affecting your sex life, and even post-hysterectomy, issues persist. It's frustrating when problems continue, but I've crafted this blog to address these concerns, specifically focusing on the relationship between hysterectomy and sexual health.
Let’s start with the basic facts about hysterectomy:
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?
Generally, if only the uterus is removed, it might not significantly affect sexual activity. 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.
Considerations with Hysterectomy:
A notable point is that about 50% of hysterectomies include the removal of the ovaries, especially in cases involving cancer. This is known as a bilateral oophorectomy.
Why remove the ovaries? 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 vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and possible painful intercourse.
Addressing Estrogen and Testosterone:
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.
Can I take Estrogen?
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.
What about testosterone?
While testosterone has been explored for treating sexual dysfunction, its effectiveness is limited, and the potential side effects are significant.
Exploring Non-Hormonal Options:
Fortunately, there are non-hormonal methods available that can support women facing sexual dysfunction post-hysterectomy:
- Vaginal lubricants and moisturizers
- Vaginal dilators
- Non-invasive treatments like laser therapy
- Nutritional supplements, including advanced options like NeuEve
NeuEve: A Nutritional Approach
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.
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I had hysterectomy and oophorectomy (sp) 20 years ago. I lost any desire for sex and it was incredibly painful. The vagina was dry, small and seemingly impenetrable.
I just recently learned that my husband of 38 years!!! Thinks I could do something about it and that he blames me for 20 years of being cut off. God!
I’m willing to try something. I also have chronic neck pain as a result of a mid-sharpen spine, bulging discs, etc. have had 2 surgeries. I’m 70. Can’t help him masturbate or have oral sex due to painful neck.
Would have been nice had he complained 19 years ago, maybe we could’ve found help.
Well there ya go, any hope for us?
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