Intimacy After a Hysterectomy

Your intimate relationship doesn't have to give…

Getting a hysterectomy may not be uncommon these days, but it still counts as a major surgery. And, as with any such experience, you have a few concerns regarding recovery time and, of course, whether things between you and your partner can go back to how they were before the surgery.

A hysterectomy surgery removes your uterus from your abdominal cavity. Though you should expect some changes post-surgery your relationship with your partner should not be significantly affected in the long run. In fact, it may even improve. Without the discomfort you felt before the surgery, you’ll have more time to focus on your partner and connect over various facets of your relationship.

This article will cover:

• Can You Still Have Sex After Hysterectomy: The Waiting Period
• How Does A Hysterectomy Affect Intimacy?
• How to Rekindle the Fire After Hysterectomy
• The Upside of Having a Hysterectomy

Can You Still Have Sex After Hysterectomy: The Waiting Period

Understanding what is the recovery time after a hysterectomy can be important in managing your expectations. Your gynecologist will probably advise that you avoid intercourse for at least four to six weeks after your surgery. But, if you don’t feel up to it even after six weeks have passed, that's fine.

How Does A Hysterectomy Affect Intimacy?

Having sex after a hysterectomy is going to be different than before. Knowing how it can affect you will help you make the right decisions to keep the flame burning. Read on to learn what they are.

Hormonal Effects

Hysterectomy surgery removes your uterus from your abdominal cavity. A total hysterectomy also removes your cervix while a partial leaves it intact. Your ovaries may also be removed during a hysterectomy (called an oophorectomy) along with your uterus and fallopian tubes¹. Without your ovaries present to produce estrogen, your body immediately enters menopause, commonly resulting in a decreased libido and dryness.

Loss of Sensation

You may also worry about the loss of sensation after a hysterectomy, or that you might have a harder time achieving orgasm than before your surgery. But, not to worry – not only is there no loss in sensation, but for the majority of women, orgasm strength may actually improve post-surgery¹. So, relax and have fun discovering, or perhaps re-discovering, your intimate connection with your partner.

How to Rekindle the Fire After Hysterectomy

Given that there is a waiting period after having a hysterectomy before having sex again, you might find that the fire between you and your partner is waning. Don’t worry! This is your chance to create a new type of connection with your partner.

Communicate Clearly About Your Needs

Like with any aspect of your relationship with your partner, communication is absolutely key. By keeping up a clear line of verbal contact, as well as being clear and honest about how you are both feeling, when the time to re-engage in sex occurs you should be able to dive back in with ease.

Engage in Other Forms of Sexual Touching

You certainly can have intimacy without sex. Remember that there are lots of things you can do to continue to connect with your partner without actually having sex, such as cuddling, kissing, or sexual touching. So if your libido is willing but the flesh is weak, use this time to explore other forms of intimacy.

Best Sex Position After Hysterectomy

Due to the changes in your body, finding the best sexual position after a hysterectomy can be something of a challenge. Find the most comfortable position that your body can enjoy, such as lying on your side and being penetrated from behind, or on top, which allows you to fully control the movements.

Best Lube to Use After a Hysterectomy

Vaginal dryness is a common side-effect of a hysterectomy. Products such as K-Y^® lubricants can help with occasional vaginal dryness, both inside and outside of the bedroom. K-Y^® Liquibeads is a great choice if you are looking for long-lasting moisture.

Advice For Husbands After Hysterectomy

While there is no physical effect of a hysterectomy on the male partner, there is certainly an emotional one. Nonetheless, husbands need to remember during this time that this is not about them and to give as much emotional and physical support as their wife needs. And only when she is absolutely ready, should the husband think about initiating sexual intercourse. In the meantime, they could take the time to learn about women’s orgasms.

The Upside of Having a Hysterectomy

Many women find that sex after hysterectomy is more enjoyable than it was before. Partly this is because a hysterectomy often relieves symptoms of pain and discomfort that were hindering pleasure before the surgery. The other part may be that there's no more need to worry about unplanned pregnancy.

Your patterns of intimacy may change after your hysterectomy, but if you follow the lead of your body, you may find that satisfaction comes at least as easily as before. This life-changing experience can also help you and your partner connect and discover each other in new ways.

Resources

1. Women’s Health, 2022, Hysterectomy
2. National Institute of Health, 2015, The Effect of Hysterectomy on Women’s Sexual Function: a Narrative Review

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