Has anyone had one and does it affect your sexual life? My doctor told me that if a gene test comes back positive for a cancer gene in my uterus, that I should consider a hysterectomy. Cancer of the uterus is common in my family. So, could you please tell me if I choose to have this done how it will affect my life and my sexual life. Thank you so much.
2007-04-26 06:12:09 · 11 answers · asked by Doll 101 6 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
By the way, I'm in my mid 30s.
2007-04-26 06:13:01 · update #1
I'm in my mid 30s.
2007-04-26 06:13:51 · update #2
You need to get a hold of a book called "Hysterectomy Hoax",
by Stanley West, MD. Your library should have a copy of it, or you can purchase new or used ones on www.amazon.com.
I wish that I had read this book before I had my hysterectomy!
The book goes over common diagnoses that doctors give for doing a hysterectomy, (although needlessly, cancer or not). At the time the book was published, over 600,000 hysterectomies per year were being done needlessly, mostly by male gynecologists.
Yes, it DOES affect your sexual health. They cut all of the nerves to the uterus, which contracts during an orgasm. It depends on whether you will need a total hysterectomy, where everything, ovaries, uterus, cervix, etc are removed, or a partial. Sometimes a doctor may leave one or both ovaries if you are too young for menopause, as in my case, I was left with one ovary.
When the nerves are cut, you don't have a full orgasm anymore. It is also harder to reach orgasm. A clitoral orgasm is not totally satisfying in my opinoin, but everyone is different. Basically, if you value great orgasms, don't have a hysterectomy. Any woman who tell you their sex life was better after one has to be lying, or they've never had a great sex life.
Also, your hormones immediately go wacko and put you into menopausal symptoms with night sweats, hot flashes, etc.. in addition to still being young enough to have a period, you will continue having pre-menstrual cramping and headaches, or whatever your pre-menstrual symptoms were.
Sex also 'feels' different with your partner if he is one who likes to 'feel' that he is 'hitting' something when he has sex with you. (the cervix). It basically feel s like an empty jar when you have sex if you want to know, really. Neither one of you can feel anything at the end. It's like rubbing against walls.
Please get the book and read it-there are so many more options you can try before you have one. Just because cancer runs high in your family, doesn't mean you will get cancer, as the book explains.
Then turn around and get a second, third, and even fourth opinion if you have to. I would have rather gone through getting cancer and going through radiation treatments, rather than giving up my great sex life I once had.
Hysterectomies also make you feel less feminine, and some women mourn the loss of their 'parts' for quite a while. They've had them for so long.
Good Luck!
2007-04-26 06:30:05 · answer #1 · answered by Big Bear 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Okay, while I never had one, I have had a number of friends who did and I also popped around to study a few articles on the subject.
As far as the ability to -have- sex, absolutely. You will be able to both have it and enjoy it. As far as the desire for sex, unless your doctor arranges for hormonal replacement therapy (which if you ask, they most likely will evaluate and do as needed) expect a drastic reduction in your interest. For some people this turns out to be a boon. With hormonal replacement therapy the drive can be replaced.
Okay, now for some sideaffects that, while not bad, may be a bit alarming : The contraction of your uterus will be absent and many women associate with a climax. Oh, you'll feel the pleasure, but the lack of your uterus contracting may catch you off-guard in the beginning. If you prefer a deep penetration, you may notice a difference in how it feels, though you will definitely still feel it. How greatly these things will matter to you is really a personal opinion. I asked a few friends I knew who underwent this procedure and their answers were quite mixed. A few said yes, it had negatively impacted their sexual life.. most said it did not and two actually said it improved their sexual life, improving their sex drive and taking some of the uncomfortable sensations away.
Hope that helps.
2007-04-26 06:25:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Would you have an oopherectomy as well?(where they remove your ovaries) If the doctors only remove the uterus, and not the ovaries that should prevent you from going into early menopause. If they have to remove all the organs, then you are going to experience the whole nine yards of menopause at one time--hot flashes, vaginal dryness, change in sex drive, mood swings. If they do remove all the organs, then depending on your family medical history, the doctors may put you on some sort of hormone replacement therapy, which may be helpful but can be quite risky for certain individuals. Good luck, hope all turns out well.
2007-04-26 06:21:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had abnormal cells and fibroid tumors. At the age of 35 I had a partial hysterectomy. A part of one ovary was left so I would go through a natural menopause. My uterus was removed. It did not effect my sex drive.
Please be sure to get a second opinion before you consider the procedure.
2007-04-26 06:18:15 · answer #4 · answered by emtd65 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had one when I was 47 (3 years ago) and I think it was a great thing to do. I wish I'd have done it earlier. Sex is sooo much better. No more messy preventative measures. No more periods! I kept one ovary (the other was "ugly") so I don't have any hormonal issues. Mine was laparoscopic so I just had a few days of down time. Are your finished having children? Do your trust your doctor? I hope so. Good luck!
2007-04-26 14:15:09 · answer #5 · answered by Pam C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a friend of mine had one in her 20's and it didn't affect her sexual life any then, keep in mind it will affect your hormones which can effect your mood, mind body and spirit, so you will need to keep an eye on all of that and you would be fine. Don't forget to get a second opinion on the whole diagnosis and options before you decide to do anything. Seriously get a second opinion 1st then decide.
lots of luck
2007-04-26 06:20:11 · answer #6 · answered by Missy 75 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My mother had a hysterectomy and her sex life is fine because even though they removed her uterus they left her ovaries. If they remove your ovaries it may affect your sexual desire and you will probably need hormones.
2007-04-26 06:24:29 · answer #7 · answered by jen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check this out for your FAQs on hysterectomy:
http://healthbase.wordpress.com/2007/04/19/hysterectomy
2007-04-26 19:25:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i had a total hysterectomy a year ago and it did not effect (in any way) my desirer or responds for sex at all.
2007-04-27 21:20:53 · answer #9 · answered by Babygirl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had one at 39 years old. No more worries about getting pregnant. Sex is good.
2007-04-26 06:47:07 · answer #10 · answered by Riverrat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋