My sex life has deteriorated since having a hysterectomy a year ago, partly bemuse I find it difficult to get interested in sex. I don’t feel comfortable talking to my surgeon about this and I’m wondering who else could help.
Loss of interest in sex after hysterectomy may be due to reduced levels of sex hormones. This may, for example, result in less lubrication of the vagina making intercourse more painful for you. Loss of libido may also be due to feelings of depression caused by anxiety at losing the uterus and exhaustion due to the combined stresses of the condition for which you had the hysterectomy, the operation itself and the associated anaesthetic. Coincidental factors, such as relationship problems with a partner, reduced self-esteem or sexual difficulties that are unrelated to hormone levels, may be another source of difficulty. For instance, you and your partner may have drifted into a pattern of having sex which does not please you and which you are now rejecting, or your partner may have a medical condition which is making the achievement of erection more difficult for him. A general practitioner, endocrinologist, gynaecologist, psychiatrist or sex therapist may be able to help. Your doctor should be able to sort out who is best situated to provide this help, even if he or she cannot diagnose the cause of your problem.
Will I still menstruate after a hysterectomy?
No, menstruation will no longer occur. Whatever sort of hysterectomy you have will necessarily result in removal of the uterus complete with its inner lining, the endometrium, which is responsible for menstruation.
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