How can I reach an orgasm after a complete Hysterectomy?

H P: How can I reach an orgasm after having a complete Hysterectomy?
I had a complete hysto w/ ovaries and cervix removed and can not reach orgasm now. What can I do? Is this normal? Will sex forever be unfullfilling?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Engaged To my love 3/20/09
huh yeah that’s just a little weired

Answer by Dr who
No you will have them again,maybe try a electric vibrator on your c**t will give you more RPM’s and you will have one.

Answer by Ed W
Should not be caused by those missing parts. Could be psychological. Is it possible that you feel like less of a woman now? A good therapist might be able to help.

Answer by Pem
Orgasms are achieved by direct or indirect simulation of the clitoris. This is what was occurring during sex before you had your hysterectomy. Considering your clitoris is still intact, there isn’t any reason why it shouldn’t work. Perhaps you need to investigate other methods of stimulation by yourself or with your partner.

Also, the trauma of having this surgery might be affecting you emotionally, making it harder for you to orgasm. Perhaps counselling from a therapist who specialises in this area will be able to help you.

Answer by hotbeaglemama
I just had my hysterectomy 3 weeks ago so I have no personal experience yet, but I should think this is caused by the hormone issue, maybe you should see how they are doing and an increase or decrease may be appropriate, also try some extended foreplay, whatever did it for you prior to the surgery, and maybe some more lubrication, things are different now, I know that once in awhile pressure on my cervix felt really good, I’m going to miss that, so you may have to do a bit of experimenting to find out what feels good now.
Remember now you are a sexy free woman who can have sex on a whim without worrying about pain, periods or pregnancy Best of luck to you and feel free to keep me informed, I am a bit worried about how things will be for me, when the time comes.

Answer by debby
Actually, sex can indeed change after a hysterectomy – but that does not mean that you will always have difficulty reaching an orgasm.

Sexual changes following a hysterectomy can be influenced by hormonal changes (a woman’s ovaries produce both estrogen and androgens – like testosterone). Estrogen supports sexual function in various ways including helping with vaginal lubrication and the thickness of vaginal tissue; testosterone has been linked with sexual desire (libido).

The method of hysterectomy may be linked to a woman’s physical experience of sex following the procedure. A hysterectomy can be performed in more than one way – and believe it or not – medical doctors and researchers still have questions about the best methods to perform a hysterectomy so that nerves that are important to sexual experience (such as nerves that help carry messages from the genitals to the brain, during orgasm) are left in tact.

Also, a hysterectomy involves removal of part or all of the uterus. Given how many women experience uterine contractions as part of orgasm, even when they do orgasm after hysterectomy, sometimes the orgasms don’t “feel” quite the same as they did before. That doesn’t mean that they feel worse; but they may feel different and it can take time to the adjust to these bodily changes.

All that is just to explain that, yes, women do often experience changes after orgasm and that you’re not “abnormal” in your experience.

Sex, however, will not necessarily be unfulfilling for anorgasmic (meaning “no orgasms”) forever. In fact, many women do find that – with time – their sexual experiences are similarly satisfying post-hysterectomy as they were pre-hysterectomy. In other words, if you had an enjoyable, orgasmic sex life before, you are likely to have one afterwards. It may take time, however, and it may take some exploration of your body and an adjustment of ways to achieve orgasm. There may be some methods of stimulation (such as vibrator use) or ways to adjust your lovemaking (e.g., more time in foreplay, different positions, use of vaginal moisturizers or lubricants) that you may find to be helpful.

You can find some information related to these issues (sex after hysterectomy; orgasm issues; use of lubricants and vibrators) at MySexProfessor.com and at KinseyConfidential.org (search the archives of each).

However, as every woman’s experience with sexuality and hysterectomy are unique, you may be best supported through this process by working with a trained sex therapist – you can locate one near to you by visiting aasect.org

Take care.

Debby