Life after Hysterectomy with cervix removal

[Dreamofgoodhealth]

Hi all 😁 this is my first post after finding this fab forum. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

I am due to have a hysterectomy with cervix removal due to endo, adhesions and suspected adenomyosis. This will be my 5th laparoscopy with excision so already nervously anticipating the future op but also worried about what changes / differences there will be after. I am already in menopause having had ovaries removed and have some symptoms that affect sex. I just wondered if anyone has had same surgery and whether sex was the same or different? Particularly being able to have orgasms. Cringing as I write this as it feels so personal a question to ask but hoping after everything else that isn’t affected. Thanks in advance of any replies.

[Ambersun1]

Hi, I'm on the waiting list for a hysterectomy also. I was told it doesn't make any difference but I haven't had the op yet so can't advise from personal experience. Sure someone will answer you soon x

[Dreamofgoodhealth in reply to Ambersun1]

Good luck and hope we get surgeries soon x

[Tinkerbell16]

Hi I have had a hysterectomy but have kept my ovaries. I have found sex much better after recovery mainly because I am not in constant pain anymore and therefore more enjoyable. Wishing you luck with your surgery.

[Dreamofgoodhealth in reply to Tinkerbell16]

That’s great news! Thanks

[Kangaroodle]

Hi, I don’t have personal experience of this yet but I’m a member of an adenomyosis Facebook group and this has been asked a few times. The replies always seem to say sex is just the same if not better after cervix removal.

I was wondering did you go though surgical menopause when your ovaries were removed? I’m due to have full hysterectomy plus ovary removal and my biggest concern is surgical menopause.

Thanks

[Dreamofgoodhealth in reply to Kangaroodle]

Thanks I am feeling much better about it now. I was in medicine induced menopause before for 18 months before ovary removal so didn’t notice too much difference initially. Then after 6 months I ended up with monthly bleeding so went to consultant and turned out I had a polyp. I also flagged tiredness several times which got much worse. My friend recommended I go back and ask for testosterone as ovaries provided that previously. I had that for 6 months but was still knackered all the time. It’s hard as all pain meds seem to cause drowsiness etc so didn’t know if that. Bloods showed I had too little testosterone and oestrogen levels that were normal for someone without endo. I have had to double testosterone and half oestrogen patches. Getting HRT levels right seems to be my struggle all the way through. That may just be me though. My body seems to like a difficult time 🙃

[SarahLouise12]

Hi there, I have had full hysterectomy and cervix removed, it’s takes a bit of time to recover (6 weeks or so) , and if you take some form of HRT, like the oestrogen patches then sex is still ok afterwards you can have internal orgasims and the clitoral oragasims no problem. They have me Tibilone to take after but I fount the endo still flared up with that but am fine on the patches now. Good luck I hope it goes well, I only suffer from about 3 days pain a month now, whereas I only had 10 pain free days a month before!!! I hope that helps sarah xx

[Dreamofgoodhealth in reply to SarahLouise12]

Thanks so much, I am glad you’re in less pain now too x

[Sunflower1968]

Hi I had a total hysterectomy on the 11th December last year and have to say sex is the best it has ever been - pain free and orgasms are no different. Also there’s this great relief of not getting pregnant I know that’s not the same for everyone but it’s an added bonus. I had endo and adenomyosis and the surgery was life changing. My only advice I’d take it easy and listen to your body as you have one chance to heal. My only regret is not having the surgery years ago as I kept putting it off and now I have my life back. Take care and keep us posted x

[Dreamofgoodhealth in reply to Sunflower1968]

That’s amazing, I’m so glad it worked out so well for you 😁 my last consultant was pretty adamant it wasn’t necessary and to preserve it. I finally got another opinion! thanks so much, I def feel much better after all replies, it’s been keeping me awake x

[Sunflower1968 in reply to Dreamofgoodhealth]

I think it can be a cost issue it shouldn’t be but it is..... I had previous laps and I was far worse after them then my hysterectomy and that’s why I said don’t do too much too soon as you can feel great as your pain had gone and trust me the recovery pain was far less than my endo ever was. So I Did too much too soon and it’s just not worth it. I did have a water infection from the catheter so stayed in for a few extra days but felt fine. You’ll prob have to self administer anti clotting injections but it depends on the surgeon. I did and they are only for 7-10 days. Honestly I wish I did a decade ago. I use estridol & testosterone gel now and it has helped with energy and again depends on your surgeon. It’s been 4 months and I’m finally getting my old self back - take care xx

[Sunflower1968 in reply to Dreamofgoodhealth]

The other thing is no amount of laps will cure adenomyosis you need a hysterectomy to resolve that x

[Dreamofgoodhealth in reply to Sunflower1968]

They think I have that too, be good to finally know x

[Sunflower1968 in reply to Dreamofgoodhealth]

Mine was diagnosed by an mri after the endo removal (which did not work) so had the mri and adenomyosis was diagnosed and so the only cure for that is a hysterectomy no lap will resolve that - just remember it’s your body so you tell them what you need, I saw three different surgeons before I knew the one I chose was the right one. Yes we are incredibly lucky to have our amazing NHS but don’t just settle go with your gut and do your research my gynea is female and I found her very empathetic and she agreed with me needing a hysterectomy she was simply fantastic throughout my journey. Many women on here have so much knowledge and do feel free to ask questions and don’t worry about being embarrassed we are all in it Together x

[Dreamofgoodhealth in reply to Sunflower1968]

Thanks wish I knew about this forum earlier - makes such a difference x