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Question:
I am going in for a hysterectomy in 4 weeks for adenomyosis. Will my husband be able to tell during sex ? Will I be bigger or will it not change much in the sense of feeling for him? I fear that I will be too big for my husband to injoy having sex with me. I am only 23 years old. He is ten years older than me and I know he will not say anything to me for fear he will upset me. We have had all the children we want. Is there a way to help both of us with the problems we will face in a few weeks?
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Answer:
by Annette Owens: (06/04/2004)
In your additional information you mentioned that you and your husband have been together for 7 years and you have 3 children. Your pain started when your first child was born 6 years ago, and you often have had to postpone intercourse because of your pain.
I think there is a very good chance that your sexlife will improve much after the hysterectomy. You have seen two physicians, and I assume that they have carefully examined from where your pain originates. Several recent studies on one-year follow up of women who underwent hysterectomies show that the vast majority reported significant improvement and relief of their pain. One study found that more than 90% of those who underwent hysterectomy for chronic pain had a successful outcome. In another study 74% reported cure, while 21% said that the pain had improved, leaving only 5% where surgery had not had a successful outcome. Usually, women can first tell whether the surgery was successful after 2 to 4 weeks.
What type of operation are you going to have? If your ovaries also are being removed, your doctor will most likely prescribe hormones for you, since you no longer will be able to produce them yourself. Low hormone levels can affect your sex drive, and it will be important to give your doctor as much information as possible, so he or she can adjust your medication accordingly. If your ovaries are not removed, they will continue to produce hormones.
It is likely that your vagina will initially seem somewhat shrunken or shortened. However, during careful initial intercourse the vaginal tissues will most likely stretch. I suggest starting out slowly, and allowing each other much time to become reacquainted sexually. Once you are ready for penetration, it may be easier for you to sit on top of your husband, facing him. In this position you will be able to control the level of penetration and the amount of thrusting. Be sure to have some lubricant (KY jelly, Astroglide, etc.) handy if you should need it.
Your vagina may not feel any different to your husband after the surgery. If you feel that you are too wide, you can try to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles by doing Kegel exercises. For more information on this read a previous answer at http://www.sexualhealth.com/questions/read.cfm?ID=800
Good luck with everything!
Best wishes,
Annette Owens, MD PhD
Reviewed by Sexual Health Editorial Team
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