Loss of sexual response or desire is often believed to follow hysterectomy, or surgical removal of the uterus, yet the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists related patient pamphlet states that some women actually report feeling more pleasure. Researcher Cindy Meston, Ph.D., in her 2004 study titled "The Effects of Hysterectomy on Sexual Arousal in Women with a History of Benign Uterine Fibroids", published in "Archives of Sexual Behavior," calls the conflicting literature about the topic "a debate."
Diminished Desire and Response
Women who undergo oopherectomy, or removal of the ovaries, concurrently with hysterectomy are the most likely to experience symptoms related to lack of estrogen. One such symptom is diminished sexual desire and response. Hormone replacement therapy is sometimes recommended for these patients.
Some women choose a supracervical hysterectomy, which leaves the cervix relatively intact, due to beliefs that doing so will result in less negative impact on their sexual responses. However, the ACOG reports that comparative research has demonstrated no difference in responses or orgasms between supracervical and total hysterectomy patients.
Uterine Contractions
The quality of a woman's orgasm may be different without the sensation provided by the contracting uterus. However, as the Brown University Health Education page describes, there are quite a few other components to the female orgasm, and awareness of these bodily responses can heighten any woman's sexual experiences. In addition to addressing their related worries in the physician's office, women undergoing hysterectomy can also take advantage of other professionals trained in sexuality issues. The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists provides a helpful database to locate resources in a patient's locale.
Painful Intercourse
Hysterectomy is listed by MayoClinic.com as one possible cause of dyspareunia, or painful intercourse. Internal scarring from the surgery may increase the chances of deep pain or discomfort from penile entry. In addition to recommending that alternative sexual positions be considered to alleviate such pain, MayoClinic.com offers additional positive perspectives on ways to successfully treat dyspareunia, including use of lubricants and longer foreplay.
Highly Subjective Orgasms, Inconclusive Evidence
According to Dr. Paul D. Indman, an editorial advisor for ObGyn.net, his own queries of patients after hysterectomy bear out that some studies of the surgery's impact on sexual response are meaningless. Dr. Indman adds that emotional impact seems to be a more important part of the picture. For example, he cites that women who experienced infertility may have a harder time coping with the finality that hysterectomy makes tangible.
References
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Education Pamphlet AP008, Hysterectomy
- "Archives of Sexual Behavior"; The Effects of Hysterectomy on Sexual Arousal in Women With a History of Benign Uterine Fibroids; Cindy M. Meston, Ph.D.; 2004
- Brown University Health Education: Female Orgasm
- OBGyn.net: Hysterectomy will ruin my sex life. Orgasm will never be the same!
- American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists: Member Directory
