Can Sexual Life Be Continued After Hysterectomy?

After a hysterectomy, women generally will not experience any impact on their sexual life. This is because the major organs involved in sexual activity are not removed during a hysterectomy, nor is the normal anatomical structure altered. As long as the body condition allows, patients may consider resuming normal sexual activities.

However, it is important to note that sexual intercourse should be avoided within a month after the hysterectomy, as the sutured incision may not have fully healed. When resuming sexual activities after a month, personal hygiene should be paid attention to, and secondary infections should be avoided. At the same time, excessive intensity should be avoided to prevent bodily harm. If women experience dryness, lubricants can be used to aid in sexual activity.

When is Hysterectomy Recommended?

1. Uterine Tumors

For uterine fibroids, if they are found to be malignant or are benign but large in size, doctors may recommend a hysterectomy. This can effectively prevent the tumor from worsening and transforming into cancer, aiding in the patient's recovery and health.

2. Obstetric Emergencies

In cases of severe conditions such as significant bleeding in parturients, a hysterectomy may be a necessary choice to stop the bleeding and protect the health of the mother. Additionally, in the presence of uterine rupture, severe prolapse, inversion, or vascular malformations, doctors may consider a hysterectomy as a treatment option.

3. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Long-term abnormal uterine bleeding may lead to excessive blood loss. When drug treatment or other interventions are ineffective, a hysterectomy may be considered.

4. Adnexal Pathology

For severe uterine adnexal pathologies, such as ovarian cysts or salpingitis, doctors may consider removing the ovaries and fallopian tubes. To prevent the spread of infection to the uterus, a hysterectomy may sometimes also be necessary.

The uterus is a female internal reproductive organ, and its absence itself does not impact a woman's lifespan. However, if a hysterectomy is needed due to malignant tumors such as cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, or ovarian cancer, it can significantly impact a woman's lifespan, depending on the cancer itself.

For early-detected cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer, the five-year survival rate is high, reaching 80%-90%. However, for late-stage cancers with a high malignancy, the impact of a hysterectomy on a woman's lifespan can be significant, depending on the type of cancer, malignancy, and treatment.

For example, the five-year survival rate for late-stage ovarian cancer is only between 30%-50%; while for mid to late-stage cervical or endometrial cancer, the survival rate is between 60%-70%. Therefore, the impact on the lifespan of a woman without a uterus depends on her specific condition.

How to Protect the Uterus?

1. Implement contraceptive measures to reduce damage to the uterus from intrauterine procedures. Frequent abortions can cause inflammatory responses in the cervix and uterus, possibly leading to intrauterine adhesions, which are harmful to uterine health.

2. Enhance nutritional intake to protect uterine health. It is advised to increase the intake of high-quality protein in the daily diet, such as lean meat, fish, and eggs, and consume a moderate amount of fruits and vegetables, which have a positive effect on maintaining overall health and protecting the uterus.

3. Maintain hygiene to avoid the impacts of infections. Special attention should be paid to hygiene during sexual activities and menstruation to prevent bacterial retrograde infection and adverse inflammatory responses.

Recommended Readings:

Differences Between Adenomyosis and Uterine Fibroids

Is Hysterectomy Necessary In Adenomyosis?

Women Health: Know Your Uterus Health Status From The First Morning Urine