Everything You Need to Know About Having Sex After a Hysterectomy

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If you're planning to have a hysterectomy, you may have a lot of questions about what your sex life will be like afterward. It's true that you might notice some changes after the surgery, but that doesn't mean sex is off the table. In fact, some women even get more enjoyment from sex once they're no longer struggling with the health issues that led to their hysterectomy! Keep reading to learn more about what to expect after surgery.

Question 1 of 6:

How long after a hysterectomy can you have sex?

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    It will take at least that long for your surgical scars to heal and for any bleeding or discharge to stop. [1] However, some doctors may advise you to wait 8 weeks or more before you have sex (including using sex toys inside your vagina), so be sure to follow your healthcare provider's aftercare instructions closely. [2]
    • Typically, your doctor will perform a vaginal exam to make sure you're completely healed before they'll clear you for sex. [3]
    • It's okay if it takes longer than this before you feel ready for sex again, so don't pressure yourself to be intimate before you're comfortable.
    • Your healing time will depend on the extent of your surgery and the removal method that was used. For instance, you'll likely heal more quickly after a laparoscopic procedure.
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Question 2 of 6:

Can I still have an orgasm after a hysterectomy?

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    Women experience 3 types of orgasms: clitoral, vaginal, and uterine. Since your uterus will be removed during your hysterectomy, you won't experience uterine contractions during orgasm after your procedure. However, you can still experience clitoral orgasms, and many women will still have vaginal orgasms, as well. [4]
    • Ask your partner to focus on your clitoris, labia, and the entrance to your vagina to help you achieve orgasm.
Question 3 of 6:

Does sex feel different after a hysterectomy?

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    These changes might include feeling less sensation during penetration, experiencing dryness during sex, and having less intense orgasms. Also, if you normally experience contractions in your uterus during an orgasm, you likely won't feel this anymore, since your uterus will be gone. [5]
    • On the other hand, if you experienced pain during sex before your hysterectomy, you may enjoy more intense orgasms and even an increased libido. [6]
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Question 4 of 6:

How can I make sex more comfortable after I have a hysterectomy?

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    Some women have trouble with vaginal dryness after a hysterectomy. Sexual lubricants are very helpful with this—try experimenting with different brands to find one you like. You might even find that this adds a fun new element to your sex life! [7]
    • Your doctor might also recommend hormone replacement therapy, like the use of an estrogen cream—especially if your libido was affected after the surgery. This is more common if your ovaries were removed during the procedure. [8]
    • If you find that vaginal tightness is an issue, talk to your doctor about using a vaginal dilator kit to make sex easier. These kits include plastic tubes in various sizes—you start by inserting the smallest dilator, then gradually working up to the larger ones as you feel comfortable. [9]
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    During your recovery, your doctor or physical therapist will advise you when to start doing pelvic floor exercises to help restore strength to the area. Pelvic floor strength is important for things like bladder control, but it will also help you experience more sensation during penetration. [10]
    • For instance, your doctor may recommend that starting a few weeks after your surgery, you should squeeze the muscles in your pelvic area (like if you're trying to stop urinating mid-stream) for several seconds at a time.
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Question 5 of 6:

Will I lose interest in sex if I have a hysterectomy?

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    You might be hesitant to get back into the bedroom because you're nervous that it will affect the healing process. In that case, don't rush; it's important to wait to have sex until you feel comfortable. Also, if you had your ovaries removed, your body will go into menopause—and many women find that they have less interest in sex during menopause due to the hormonal changes that are happening. [11]
    • Your doctor may recommend treatments for the symptoms of menopause, like hormone replacement therapy, that may help restore your sex drive. [12]
    • If you're in a relationship, talk openly with your partner about how you're feeling about sex. Ask them to be patient with you as your body adjusts to the changes you're going through. If you feel like it's becoming a problem, though, talk to your doctor or even a couple's therapist.
Question 6 of 6:

Is bleeding after sex normal following a hysterectomy?

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    Bleeding can indicate that you weren't completely healed from the procedure, so you need to see your doctor right away to make sure nothing's wrong. Your doctor will likely do a vaginal exam to check on your healing, and they'll talk to you about how to treat the problem. [13]
    • The bleeding might also be due to a small tear in your vaginal wall, which can happen if there wasn't enough lubrication during sex. If your doctor has given you the all-clear for sex, you can help prevent this by going slow and using an over-the-counter lubricant. [14]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can you naturally increase your libido?
    Susannah Kerwin, ANP-BC, HNP
    Nurse Practitioner
    Susannah Kerwin is a board certified Adult Nurse Practitioner in New York, New York. With over 10 years of experience, Susannah specializes in adult primary care, holistic medicine, and women’s healthcare. Susannah holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of San Francisco. She obtained her MSN from New York University’s (NYU) unique dual degree program combining integrative and allopathic disciplines. Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, Susannah worked for more than ten years as a Registered Nurse in psychiatric and surgical settings. Susannah also serves as an adjunct faculty member for NYU.
    Susannah Kerwin, ANP-BC, HNP
    Nurse Practitioner
    Expert Answer
    Try bringing your stress hormones down. The brain is responsible for so much of our libido, so any kind of tip would be to make time to relax and laugh. Find something funny to laugh about with your partner because it’s really those shared moments and those kinds of activities that are positive that are going to help with libido naturally.
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  • Question
    Are there any dietary changes you recommend for people that are trying to improve their sexual health?
    Susannah Kerwin, ANP-BC, HNP
    Nurse Practitioner
    Susannah Kerwin is a board certified Adult Nurse Practitioner in New York, New York. With over 10 years of experience, Susannah specializes in adult primary care, holistic medicine, and women’s healthcare. Susannah holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of San Francisco. She obtained her MSN from New York University’s (NYU) unique dual degree program combining integrative and allopathic disciplines. Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, Susannah worked for more than ten years as a Registered Nurse in psychiatric and surgical settings. Susannah also serves as an adjunct faculty member for NYU.
    Susannah Kerwin, ANP-BC, HNP
    Nurse Practitioner
    Expert Answer
    It is really important to avoid hormones in meat and dairy. If there's one thing that I would change about diet for anyone who's worried about hormonal issues, such as libido or even skin problems, is to try to focus on high-quality meats if you eat meat and avoid the meat that is treated with hormones.
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      • Because your uterus is removed during a hysterectomy, you won't need to use birth control to prevent pregnancy after your procedure. However, do still follow safer sex practices, including using condoms to prevent the spread of STDs. [15]
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      • Your recovery will depend on the type of procedure that's performed. If you have a partial hysterectomy, only your uterus will be removed. In more extensive procedures, your fallopian tubes, cervix, and ovaries may be removed. If you have a radical hysterectomy (typically as a result of cancer in the area), the surgery may include the upper part of your vagina and lymph nodes and ligaments from the area, as well. [16]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/abdominal-hysterectomy-recovering-well-patient-information-leaflet/
      2. ↑ https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/about-your-robotic-assisted-laparoscopic-hysterectomy
      3. ↑ https://lluh.org/services/minimally-invasive-robotic-surgery/patients-families/what-expect-after-gynecologic-robotic-surgery
      4. ↑ https://www.healthywomen.org/content/ask-expert/1357/hysterectomy-and-lack-orgasm
      5. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/sex-after-hysterectomy/
      6. ↑ https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/about-your-robotic-assisted-laparoscopic-hysterectomy
      7. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginal-dryness/
      8. ↑ https://lluh.org/services/minimally-invasive-robotic-surgery/patients-families/what-expect-after-gynecologic-robotic-surgery
      9. ↑ https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/how-use-vaginal-dilator
      1. ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/hysterectomy
      2. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/sex-after-hysterectomy/
      3. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/15245-hormone-therapy-for-menopause-symptoms
      4. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/sex-after-hysterectomy/
      5. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/4852-hysterectomy
      6. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hysterectomy/recovery/
      7. ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/hysterectomy

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