Hysterectomy Support Group
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, usually done by a gynecologist. Hysterectomy may be total (removing the body and cervix of the uterus) or partial (also called supra-cervical). Although there are conservative alternatives, hysterectomy is performed for uterine fibroids, pelvic pain, pelvic relaxation, heavy or abnormal menstrual bleeding, and cancer.
Hi. I'm new here.
I'm 49 with a history of multiple fibroids and heavy bleeding. Ended up in the ER a couple weeks ago because I lost 3 pints of blood in one day and had a dangerously low blood pressure.
I chickened out of a hysterectomy two years ago because I was afraid of losing my ovaries, but this episode forces the issue.
Having a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingoopherectomy on June 6. They can't go vaginally because I am nulliparous and the fibroids are too big. The surgeon wants to take my ovaries because they're so close to the end of their life and he doesn't want to have to go back in through scar tissue if issues arise later.
i chickened out the first time because I was afraid of what sex was going to be like without ovaries and a cervix. Sex is a huge part of my life still! I'm depressed and afraid about what's coming.
If anyone in the group has insight to share -- what helped after surgery, what to expect, etc. -- I could use some support right now. Virtual hugs would be great, too. I'm in tears as I'm typing this.
I am hoping you read this as I am having trouble finding anyone posting actively in this group. I am facing a possible hysterectomy (I have huge fibroids - the kind that make you look pregnant). I am panicking about how hysterectomy will affect my sexual sensations. The general information I find, according to studies, is that having the uterus or uterus and cervix removed "can affect blood flow" to our sexual pleasure centers. Then there's lots of very vague advice about exercising pelvic floor muscles, using lube etc. The really specific accounts, which upset me the most, describe inability to have internal/vaginal orgasms, or worse none at all. I am wondering what sources you researched regarding sex after hysterectomy. I am desperate for any optimistic information at this point. Thanks in advance - I hope your procedure goes well.
I'm new here and also saddened that there are not more updated posts as I have been searching for a support group to help with all that I'm trying to deal with. It will be one year coming up on August 18th since my Hysterectomy. I will post my experience in a later post as I want to help answer your question as best as I can. I had a TAH so everything was removed. I had complications and instead of being in the hospital for 3 days, it turned into 3 weeks. Recovery was slow but I did recover and though I feel so much better then before my surgery, there are other issues I just wasn't prepared to be dealing with now. Sex was very scary after surgery. I read all the horror stories of women ripping open weeks and even months after surgery (which required more emergency surgery). I was terrified that orgasms would not be the same, also that sex with my husband would not be the same. I cant speak for anyone but me... I feel like I if I never had sex again it would be no big deal. But it is a HUGE deal. My body is forever changed. I have no desire, and sex is painful since there is now no lubrication (even using lube), my orgasms no longer feel the same. They are very short, if I have them at all and are no where as powerful as they use to be. Every day I feel like I want to set my poor husband free. He didn't sign up for this. He has been a saint, but he's still a man with desires that didn't get ripped out surgically like mine did. I'm so lost... He is my best friend but the guilt I feel for not being wife he deserves is getting to be to much to bare.