First Time Here - Sex Question

Hi everyone! I just discovered this site a few days ago and it is great. I have just been scheduled for a LAVH. October 3 is the big day. I have been diagnosed with adenomyosis, but have known for quite some time that something wasn't right. I am actually glad and relieved to finally have an answer!! Spent years with heavy periods, on and off birth control pills (does every gyn think these are the answer to all heavy periods?), had D&C 4 yrs. ago. It only helped for a few months. Finally found a dr. that would help and now I am researching all my questions. I have found answers to most but can't find much on this one: Some info states that if the cervix is removed then it causes the vagina to be shortened, causing deep penetration to be painful. My problem is my DH is above average in length and I am worried that our sex life will be negatively impacted. Anyone out there heard of this or experienced this? Thanks for letting me ask such an embarrassing question, but I really need to make a decison that is right for both of us.

Oh, no!! Deep penetration pain was something I was hoping to get rid of with the hyst. Bummer!

I had planned on asking my DR to tack my vaginal cuff up with say enough legnth to accommodate my DH.

This reminds me of a conversation I had when my episiotomy had not healed and I asked my DR at that time if he might have taken in a couple of extra stitches for the husband. He said no and that the vagina was very pliable and should able to accomodate whatever size my husband was, so I must not be healed up yet.

Any princesses with advice in this matter, please help!!!

Michelle35,
Thanks for the quick reply. I plan on asking my DR about this but wondered if anyone out there knew about it. I have talked to a friend since posting my question (her LAVH was 7 yrs ago) and she assures me that everything will "still fit". I also have deep penetration pain which I am very hopeful will be relieved by the surgery. I'm convinced mine is coming from the fact that my uterus is enlarged and seems to be squishing my bladder and anything else that is in the general vicinity! I just hoped to have a real-life story to reassure my DH.

I too just asked this question of my Dr. as I fear I may have the same situation when resuming intercourse. He tells me the shortening at best is minimal and I should have no worries! pof: I have pain with deep penetration now and have found only certain positions alleviate it. My uterus is very large and is tipped so I am hoping the surgery will take care of it all. My surgery is scheduled for Oct 3 so we will have to compare notes! Also, a friend just told me that her gas pain was unbelievable ! That didn't help!

Oh dear, ladies!

Update from The Other Side...

No cervix here, and everything is just dandy. I *used to* have pain (pre-hyst), but not now. Much better. I can't say for sure if there was any shortening, but it sure doesn't *seem* that way.

It did take a few months to settle down and get used to "the new me" - a little nervous, a little tender at first, but nothing bad. Just don't panic if you're a little sore at first. Think of it like if you'd broken your arm - when the cast first comes off you muscles would be weak, light activity might cause discomfort - but it gets better.

I had my LAVH in February - uterus and cervix removed. The sex is just great. No problems here!

SILLY ME
what is a vaginal cuff? And I'm with you I am hopeing to remove this pain I remember that sex can be fun. Not all painfull. Another silly question, Do you still have to deal with vaginal discharge? Sorry if that is to gross.

The vaginal cuff is the finishing or closing of the top of the vagina when the cervix is removed.

I am about 7 months post-op and have not had any spotting or discharge since about 7 weeks post-op. I used to have to wear panti liners every day prior to surgery.

Terry,

To all of you that I have read from on this topic...I can speak from experience. I am 6 weeks post-op and have been having sex since 4 weeks since my DR did my exam and said I could. The sex is fantastic!! Wish I had done this long ago. I had my cervix removed and have had deep penetration problems in the past. Although we are still being careful, we are not having any problems in that area. Everything is functioning quite wonderfully as a matter of fact. I still have the same lubrication as before and I would do it all again today to get this result. No more periods or pain!! I also had andemyosis but didn't really know about it until my 4 week check up as the pathology report was what revealed it. I had been having heavy bleeding, fibroids and severe pain for several years-- The DR had suggested all kinds of things for a number of years but I am 42 and my "baby" is 17. So, I didn't see the reason in keeping the unused organ anymore.

Hope this helps -- best of luck to you--Bonnie --TVH 8/1/02

BonnieVG
Thanks for your story. It helps to know someone else has been there. My sons are also teenagers and I have no desire to do the 'baby thing' again. I am looking forward to NOT having to plan my life around my periods! I have had heavy bleeding for years but recently it has worsened with clotting, cramping, and a heavy bloated feeling even when it's not time for my period. I have developed a need to urinate sometimes as often as every 20 minutes and my bladder feels 'squished'. My DH is great and acts like he doesn't mind stopping at every rest area on the highway but I know he will be just as relieved as me when all this is over! I'm only 37 and I could have years before menopause, so I jumped at the chance to resolve this permanently! It also didn't give me much comfort watching my mother go through 'the change' for FIVE YEARS!! All I could think of was.....that's going to be me in a few years!

You gals are all great...thanks for the encouragement!!!!

TerriFL