Upcoming hysterectomy 3/30: no outercourse for 6 weeks too :(

Had preop yesterday, nixed ALL sexual activity for 6 weeks. Just put down our dog Monday and too sad and emotionally exhausted to care to much about sex right now, but dang, think I better force the issue!

I barely made 2 weeks after biopsy, yay! for new external vibrator the second go around, and 4 after LEEP? well... let's just say glad I didn't get an infection . I'm scared to death of torn cuff this time though, I may have to completely leave the country!!! Any one have a more realistic approach?? I was planning on some quality time with my toys to distract me since letting DH touch me would be too much and too easy to give in I think!!

Anyone else find being told no makes it harder than if they'd not addressed the issue at all?? I swear it's been weeks anyway, but I know I can, so I'm good with that! Knowing I can't makes me want it even more!!

Hi bloukline -

Total pelvic rest is very important for your healing. This includes intercourse and outercourse. You really have to let all of those tender tissues heal, and increased blood flow does not help this.

Frankly for me, I did not feel like doing anything after my surgery. I was so tired and sore, and I just wanted to rest. And DH and I were willing to set everything aside and just concentrate on my healing. We tried at the six week mark and it still hurt too much, so we waited another 2 weeks.

You also need to be aware that you may be restricted from sex close to surgery. Ask your doctor.
Sex before Hysterectomy?

You and your DH can do this. It is so important that you follow this and all instructions from your doctor, both pre-op and post-op.

I don't have that issue. My husband does ;> I told him yesterday to stay away. I have a prolapse & this last week has not been comfortable (also on my period) so I want no part of being "poked". I do feel bad for him since my surgery is next week. So he'll be without for a long time. He'll live though. For you, I would suggest keep busy. Find a new book to read without sexual content preferably, don't want to get the old mind spinning. Prepare for your surgery, do yoga, anything really to keep your mind off sex. Keep reminding yourself that if you slip you could end up having more problems which would put you on the NO touching zone for longer. You'll make it.

I, too was absolutely *sure* I would never be able to wait until 6 weeks after my surgery for sex.

I did go through a rather characteristic short period of hormone fluctuations at about 3-4 weeks post-op and I was sure I wouldn't be able to wait a day longer. I could.

I was given the all-clear for gentle intercourse at my post-op checkup, but since I still had a partly open incision, DH and I waited until about 8 weeks. He said there was no way we were doing anything until I was healed! Now THERE is a "keeper".

It really can cause an infection (or worse) to have sex too soon. Please follow your doc's instructions. Boring? Maybe. A lifesaver? Definitely.

Your doctor told you only 6 weeks? My doctor told me no sex for at least 3 months! I'm worried about that, but I figure that we'll make it because after that ... all the sex I want. No "off" days! My period is never going to get in the way again. That's what will keep me going.

Nothing in the instructions he gave me to read and follow said anything about sex before. He did do some kind of painless swab, to check for infection or something, wasn't overly observant and we were talking about a lot of different stuff. My mind was kind of a whirlwind, but he was answering all of my questions so it was all good!!! Now the countdown begins!