need information to make my decision (endo patient)

Hi hystersisters,

I've just joined up, and am wanting to find out as much as possible about life after a hsyterectomy. Heres my situation in a nutshell:

Im 39. history of endometriosis... laparoscopy last week found an endo node on my uterus has strangled the tube between my kidney and bladder, so need more surgery to repair this asap. My surgeon (i've had 4 lap operations now), has strongly urged me to have a laparascopic hysterectomy with my next surgery.

I have already had an ovary removed, this hysterectomy would leave the remaining one, but remove the uterus and cervix.

Among the many things Im trying to find out, I particularly would like to hear about long term effects, especially in terms of sexual function and pleasure, with the uterine muscles gone or changed. Any other info about what I might expect would also be helpful. My doctor says sex is no worse or better, just 'different'. I'd like to know what that means!

Hope someone can help me, it feels like a huge decision,

thanks, batgirl

Since I'm only two days post-op, I don't know anything from personal experience about sex or other long-term things yet. However, these were the same questions I had. I know several women who have had hysterectomies--different procedures, different reasons, and different sets of parts removed--and all of them have told me that sex was still good. They all said that orgasms felt different but that they were still really good. None of the women I talked to had experienced any pelvic floor issues, and all of them had the cervix removed as part of the hysterectomy.

I studied all the hystersister discussions I could find that related to sex, and I found a lot more women saying it was good (or even better) than saying it was worse. That was really reassuring to me.

I have had everything taken out buy one ovary. As far as sex goes I think it is better because before the hyst I would end up curled up in a ball afterwards because of the pain...It is soo much better most of my pain is gone! Good Luck

Hi Allie!

I didn't have a diagnosis of endo, so I can't share from personal experience in that regard, but in response to your concerns about post-op sexuality, I think the following article from the Pre-Op Articles list might be useful to you. It was written based on comments shared through the years by members of Hystersisters.com:

Is Sex Really the Same?

You can find many other helpful articles by clicking on "Pre-Op" and "Post-Op" from the blue bar near the top of the page, right below the Hystersisters logo.

I hope that in partnership with your medical provider you make the decisions that wind up being the best ones for you.