Painful intercourse post-op, 1 year

Over 1 year post-op and still having terrible pain attempting intercourse! Just tried again this morning and I was in tears. I am talking about really bad sharp pain immediately upon attempting penetration, like a knife cutting into me. It brings tears to my eyes and makes me catch my breath--that bad! I had a total hysterectomy in Jan. of 2008, 1 year post menopause, by which I mean one year after my last period. Had no problems before surgery with vaginal dryness. I had the surgery due to a HUGE ovarian cyst and they performed a full "pelvic sweep" as my doctor calls it. My gyn says the pain is due to vaginal dryness. I've tried KY and Astroglide in combination with Premarin cream, then Estrace cream, and am now on Vagifem vaginal tablets. Nothing works! My gyn doesn't seem too interested in my problem. I am 52 yrs young and not ready to give it up (not to mention my wonderful husband is not pleased). Has this happened to anyone else? Can there be another explanation? Another solution?

Did you have any repairs with mesh done at the same time? I had a TVH with cystocele repair and he used mesh
around the entrance to make it smaller (and I think hold up the mesh sling). It was horrible in the beginning to have sex but over time the area did stretch out a bit so while not fun it isn't as awful. I am hoping over time it will feel OK again.

Peachy1, no, i did not have any repairs done with mesh. I don't know for sure that it's not simply vaginal dryness, but it sure seems like the pain is more extreme than that. And even tho I'm using different treatments for the dryness, it doesn't affect this pain in the least. That's why I'm wondering if there isn't some other cause. I thank you for your input, though. I am happy to have you Hystersisters to have this intimate discussion with!

Hi Buttercup,
I too had a hysterectomy in Feb of 2008 and am experiencing your problem. Just called my gyn and was lucky to get an appointment tomorrow. The problem seems to be getting worse, not better. This same Doctor delivered my son 25 years ago and I was lucky enough to reconnect with her, as she is now a specialist in menopause and sexual dysfunction. I'll let you know how my appointment goes. I'm 55 years young and also not ready to give up on this!!

rocky526,
Thank you so much for replying to my post. I agree, it has gotten worse, not better. I have now stopped all prescription vaginal hormone therapy as it seems to make no difference. After reading some other posts, I picked up some Replens, which is OTC vaginal moisturizer with no hormones. We haven't tried any sexual relations yet, because both of us are afraid of my pain...hubby feels so badly. Since the KY and Astroglide have no effect, I don't think the Replens will either. Hubby and I both feel it is a totally different issue. I am anxious to hear what happens at your appointment tomorrow. I will be away from my computer for the weekend but will hope to hear from you by Monday. Again, thank you sooooooo much!

I'm 18 months post op and have given up on ever having sex again - I'm 46. It just hurt too much and I didn't get any enjoyment from it. It must be about a year since we even tried. My vaginal vault feels sore (probably dryness) even when there's nothing in it! I mentioned it to my GP and she said "hysterectomy affects some women like this" - no solutions or suggestions.

My husband is very patient (but he still gets pleasure, if you know what I mean!) and says one day I will feel like it, but I don't see how that is ever going to happen with no hormones.

I guess my sex life is over.

I am glad to have found this forum -- I've not posted in awhile either.

I also had issues with dryness, vaginal burning and also a lack of desire after my surgery. Never had a problem pre-surgery!

I find I'm getting some help with a combo of hormone therapies including the Testosterone cream, which has helped somewhat with desire. My dr. has me apply on labia.

We also always use lubricants now which helps a little bit but still I have the burning feeling most times, whether I get a visit from "O" or not. We recently have tried the "His N Hers" lubricants -- the DH calls them "the Chemicals" and we have fun with those.

I find it's helpful for me that once he penetrates, if he can just wait and hold for a little while, maybe 5-10 seconds it helps me a lot. He tries but ya know sometimes it's not easy. Also I have found that to start with woman-on-top position helps with the pain, then can move around once comfortable.

Hope this helps a little -- I was also not ready to give up at age 50 --

Give yourself time. Take time with yourself and practice with your fingers to stretch and relax your vaginal opening. Use your store bought lubrication inside yourself learn where it feels the best. I found out I had to relearn a new way to have intercourse in a gentler way until I relaxed and used my store lubrication well. I still have some pain inside at times and found lubricating my man helps lubricate me. I hope this isn't to graphic it has helped me and my man enjoy sex again.

See if you can find yourself a uro-gyn that specializes in sexual dysfunction. My gyn onc sent me to one about 4 months after my surgery and it's been a godsend. She diagnosed muscle triggers and spasms and sent me to pelvic floor rehab and physical therapy which has helped immensely. I had pain both on penetration and internally and in my abodmen and it's almost gone. I hope you find a dr like that who can help you.

I had my complete abdominal hysterectony when i was 32. I am no 40 years old and have had sex 5 times since my surgery, I haven't had sex at all in the last 5 1/2 years due to extreme pain. i have had the est. ring, cream, tablets you name it. I was told to use alot of lubricant and one very caring doctor said to spit on it.
After much frustration adn aggravation. I gave up. now after 5 1/2 years I decided to try pressing the docs again. One caring soul at the hospital has decided to check my hormone levels and has advised me to buy a vaginal dilator kit. She said that due to the scar tissue after surgery the vaginal walls are like they shrivel up so technically you are much smaller than before. She has also prescribed Estrace cream to use with the dilator to help stretch the scar tissue. I, after 8 years can see a light at the end of the tunnel. Ladies please don't give up and ask about the dilator and cream. Once you work up to the largest dilator you are ready to go. Google them. I have great hopes for this and I'll keep you all posted. I truelly can identify with you all. I liken the pain to have intercourse with a medival mace weapon. I have never had that kind of pain before not even post -op. I am very fortunate to have a loving and caring husband who even knowing my issues married me anyway. He has given up alot for me and I hope o be able to give it back for a change. Take care ladies and google the dilator and ask about the cream and blood work. We need to get check ofeten for hormone levels post op even if you wear a hrt patch. Bye my Sisters