Are you experiencing painful sex after your hysterectomy? Don’t worry, you are in good company and not alone.
Painful sex, or dyspareunia, (the medical name term for painful sex) (“dis-ph-ROO-nee-uh”); is more common than you realise. Sadly this, alongside most topics covering sex or sexuality, is hardly discussed and looked at as too taboo.
However, there are solutions; but getting to the correct condition and finding the correct treatment needs patience and the process of trial and error. Discuss these options with your health care provide or holistic menopausal therapist.
Don’t allow this to lead to feelings of frustration and or embarrassment. Having had a hysterectomy, in itself is a mighty fare.
And yes, this is a major surgical procedure, and one the most common procedures in women. A staggering 11.7% between the ages of 40-44 have had a hysterectomy. Hysterectomies are the second most common surgery for women, however the post-surgery effect on the body can be distressing and daunting.
We are often asked about painful sex, or how soon can regular sex happen after having had a hysterectomy? Should their sex life change? Is it natural to experience pain and so on.
Painful intercourse is not normal and deserves your serious attention.
We do not and cannot give out medical advice. However, we pride ourselves in offering the best advise on sexuality, and this includes post surgery, menopause and even in dealing with gents and prostate health and other nitty gritty issues we, as humans experience sexually.
What we do know is that painful sex is common and not just reserved for post hysterectomy surgery.
While in the aftermath of post hysterectomy surgery in not uncommon, but it certainly should not be ignored.
Pain post surgery is expected. Your doctor will tell you when you can begin exploring sexually again. Usually 6-8 weeks post-op.
Do not interfere. It is sore and it is tender in there. Do not steam or try and or douche your vagina! Give it a chance to shrink back to as normal as possible. Pay attention to the subtle changes.
Some pain and discomfort after your hysterectomy is expected, but also not to be ignored, debilitating pain that prevents you form enjoying intimacy on any level is a medical issue.
It is vital to know what to expect from sex post your procedure. Be aware and pay attention to the signs that something could be wrong.
If you do experience experience prolonged painful sex post surgery? The problem was there to begin with. And caused my a myriad of reasons. Check in with your medical practitioner.
Common Causes of Painful Sex Post Surgery
This could be due to scar tissue that is irritating the muscles and nerves where the inside incision has been made. Then there are those illusive pelvic floor muscles, nerve and muscle dysfunction would also be a pre-existing condition.
Rehabilitate your pelvic muscles and nerves after you have had your surgery. Begin to improve the function of your pelvic muscles and nerves.
Begin with gentle pelvic floor lifts. Nothing to strong, subtle. Stop mid wee, and so on. Your body will tell you as it gets stronger.
After discussing with your health provider, think about Kegel balls. These useful little sets will help re-strengthen the pelvic muscles. Most Kegel balls are nice and light or come in sets to set you on your pelvic training journey.
Besides the healing of the muscles, tightening the lower abdomen is vital to prevent sagging. We love Lelo Luna Beads Mini Kegel Ball Set which will not only liven up the pelvic floor, but will also enhance blood flow to the vaginal muscles increasing sensitivity. These lovely balls have a light weight, you are able to interchange them and feel the pleasure ball inside, which will also encourage arousal and enhance pleasure.
We also love Je Joue Ami Kegel Ball Set. The Je Joue Ami set is a progressive three-step set of soft, smooth Kegel exercise toys pelvic weights. Ami allows you to train your PC muscle at your own pace and suits women of all ages and fitness levels. Progress from the lightest Kegel weight to the heavies with this easy to use 3 step set.
LUBRICATION
Never underestimate the power of lubrication. We highly recommend Pjur Aqua with Panthenol for regenerating the vaginal tissue.
Or try Pjur Med Repair Glide. This contains regenerative Hyaluron which will regenerate the stressed out vaginal mucosa or epithelium tissue.
I recommend using it on a regular basis. Moisturise your vagina. Hyaluron enables optimal regeneration of the sensitive skin. Let this become a part of your daily self-care, it will strengthen and restore vaginal tissue.
Do Hysterectomies Change How You Have Sex?
Yes. For a few weeks, at least. This gives your body time to heal. But having a hysterectomy should not end your sex life.
Changes in hormones will occur if you have had your ovaries removed. Again, a daunting thought. However, allow this to open new and refreshing ideas on how to explore and regenerate your sexuality.
A dip in libido is common, but not exclusive to menopause or having had a hysterectomy.
Painful sex is more common that we care to believe. There are a lot of reasons for this and all not exclusive to having had a hysterectomy.
Remember, if you have had a hysterectomy, there was a reason you needed it. Be open with you Doctor, get as much information as possible. Prepare yourself on an holistic level.
