Q: Do you know anything about how hysterectomy effects sex and sexuality?
A: Great question! Some women experience feelings of loss or sadness, decreased interest in sex, and increased vaginal dryness, which can lead to pain during intercourse, after having a hysterectomy.
However, a 1999 study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, tracked the sexual function of more than 1,000 women between the ages of 35 and 49 who had had a hysterectomy. They found that some women in the study had a negative impact on their sex life following the hysterectomy, but the vast majority of women saw improvements! Specifically, the study found that the majority of the women’s sexual activity increased as did their orgasm frequency. They also found that the women’s orgasm strength improved and they reported decreased pain during sex.
While this study showed positive results, this is not an endorsement of having a hysterectomy as a form of sex therapy. Just wanted to share so women know the impact on their sex life may not be all negative.
If you do experience problems with sex after your operation, please don’t suffer in silence. There is help! Talk to your doctor or find help from Clinical Sexologist or Sex Therapist.
We would love to hear from women who have had a hysterectomy. What was the impact on your sexuality?
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