I've been avoiding the "S" word on this blog, mainly because my mother reads it, but it's an important topic, one I have to address. Cover your eyes...
When Can I Have Sex After Hysterectomy?
First things first... do not, I repeat, DO NOT have intercourse before your doctor clears you. You will regret it. If your cervix was removed during the surgery, you now have a vaginal cuff. That means you have stitches-- many, many stitches-- inside your vagina. Ouch! Imagine the pain of ripping and tearing vaginal stitches and needing vaginal surgery, not to mention a lengthy hospital stay. All for a little action between the sheets... worth it? I think not.
Most doctors clear their patients for sex four to six weeks post-op, but some say wait eight weeks, or even longer. It really depends on the specifics of your surgery and your unique recovery. Only your doctor really knows what is going on internally, so it's in your best interests to listen to him.
The First Time
Immediately after surgery, I thought I would never, ever desire sex again... and I was okay with that! My insides felt like they had been put through a meat grinder, and I couldn't imagine ever wanting below-the-belt activities. I found myself hoping my doctor would say I had to wait three months! I actually had a plan to tell my husband that the doctor said that, no matter what my six week checkup held. Sneaky, eh?
Somewhere between the four to six week mark, however, I started feeling more alive, not quite so sore and tender. I was actually thrilled when I got the nooky go-ahead. Thrilled... but scared to death. Would it hurt? Would I bleed? Would it feel different for my husband? And on and on...
So, the big night finally came... and it was absolutely fine. Not exactly fireworks, because we were both so nervous and afraid of hurting me, but... nice. I'm happy to report that everything still works exactly as it should. There was no bleeding, but it's perfectly normal and okay to have light bleeding after the first couple of times. There was also no pain, discomfort, or dryness. Whew, what a relief! Oh, and by the way, it gets better every time.
There is life after hysterectomy... and it's good. Enjoy!
