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What are the Best Tips for Intercourse After Hysterectomy?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

A woman may feel anxious about the potential for discomfort during intercourse after hysterectomy. Among the best tips for intercourse after hysterectomy are those involving seeking a doctor’s advice, communicating with one's partner, engaging in alternate forms of sexual intimacy, and easing back into sexual intercourse. If a woman has undergone a full hysterectomy, she may find that hormone replacement therapy helps to improve her drive and comfort. Using an over-the-counter lubricant may also help, and counseling may prove beneficial when anxiety is severe or persistent.

One of the best tips for sex after hysterectomy is to seek and follow a doctor’s advice. A doctor can advise a hysterectomy patient on when she can safely have intercourse again. A patient should not engage in sexual intercourse before her doctor says it is safe because having sex too soon may lead to more discomfort. Additionally, having intercourse too soon could contribute to the development of a serious infection.

Hormone replacement therapy may help improve a woman's sex drive after a hysterectomy.
Hormone replacement therapy may help improve a woman's sex drive after a hysterectomy.

Another good tip involves asking one’s doctor about hormone replacement therapy. Patients who have full hysterectomies have not only the uterus removed, but also their ovaries. With the ovaries gone, the patient’s hormonal production changes and may contribute to a significantly decreased sex drive as well as less vaginal lubrication. Opting for hormone replacement therapy may help a patient improve her drive and experience less discomfort during sexual activity.

Engaging in alternate forms of sexual intimacy is a good post-hysterectomy tip.
Engaging in alternate forms of sexual intimacy is a good post-hysterectomy tip.

Using a lubricant may also help a woman to feel more comfortable during sexual activity that follows recovery from a hysterectomy. As an added benefit, a lubricant may help to make intercourse more pleasurable for both partners. These lubricants can be purchased over the counter at drug and groceries stores as well as online.

A woman may also experience more satisfaction and less discomfort if she takes her time before resuming intercourse. She may speak to her partner about her concerns, for example, and resume other types of sexual intimacy first. Anxiety may decrease a woman’s natural lubrication and cause muscle tension. Saving intercourse for when she feels less anxious, on the other hand, may help ensure that vaginal dryness and muscle tension will be less of an issue. Additionally, communicating with one’s partner may contribute to enjoyment once intercourse does resume.

A complete hysterectomy removes the uterus and ovaries.
A complete hysterectomy removes the uterus and ovaries.

Feeling anxious about resuming intercourse after hysterectomy is both common and normal. If the anxiety lasts for an extended time or persists despite a woman's desire to resume intercourse with a supportive partner, she may seek the help of a counselor. Counseling may help a woman to feel less anxious, and professionals can help a woman develop methods for relaxing prior to intercourse.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

fify

@literally45-- I completely agree with this. After the healing time is over, sex after hysterectomy will be the same as before. In fact, it's even better because there is no worrying about pregnancy. Of course if someone has intercourse pain or bleeding, that requires treatment. Otherwise, there is no reason to shy away from intercourse. Problems with sex drive can be resolved with hormone therapy.

literally45

@SarahGen-- It's still early, give yourself more time. If after a few months, you still feel this way, you may want to see a psychologist.

I had irritation and discomfort for a few months after my hysterectomy as well. But I discussed everything with my husband and he was very patient and supportive.

A hysterectomy is a serious procedure and it takes time to heal. If you rush it, intercourse will be painful and that will make your anxiety ten times worse. If you take things slowly, you will ease into it again.

SarahGen

My doctor gave me the go ahead for intercourse because it has been eight weeks since my hysterectomy. But I'm not ready for it yet. I still have some pain and discomfort. The last thing on my mind is intercourse.

Does anyone have any idea how long this will continue for? My doctor thinks that physically I'm perfectly fine and that it's just anxiety.

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    • Hormone replacement therapy may help improve a woman's sex drive after a hysterectomy.
      By: auremar
      Hormone replacement therapy may help improve a woman's sex drive after a hysterectomy.
    • Engaging in alternate forms of sexual intimacy is a good post-hysterectomy tip.
      By: vgstudio
      Engaging in alternate forms of sexual intimacy is a good post-hysterectomy tip.
    • A complete hysterectomy removes the uterus and ovaries.
      By: pankajstock123
      A complete hysterectomy removes the uterus and ovaries.
    • Women who experience a large amount of discharge following a hysterectomy should consult a doctor immediately.
      By: Dragos Iliescu
      Women who experience a large amount of discharge following a hysterectomy should consult a doctor immediately.
    • Hormone replacement therapy can be used to balance hormones after a hysterectomy.
      By: Fernando Madeira
      Hormone replacement therapy can be used to balance hormones after a hysterectomy.
    • A doctor will be able to provide the best advice on when a hysterectomy patient should resume having intercourse.
      By: michaeljung
      A doctor will be able to provide the best advice on when a hysterectomy patient should resume having intercourse.
    • Women should avoid intercourse and heavy lifting for about two months following a hysterectomy.
      By: jrwasserman
      Women should avoid intercourse and heavy lifting for about two months following a hysterectomy.
    • Estrogen cream is a form of hormone replacement therapy that can be used to balance hormones after a hysterectomy.
      By: Picture-Factory
      Estrogen cream is a form of hormone replacement therapy that can be used to balance hormones after a hysterectomy.