Sexuality after surgery

I will be having laproscopic surgery on Jan. 13th and the closer it gets the more nervous I get. I had my uterus taken out almost 2 years ago and adhesions. I have been so fortunate to have had almost 18 good years but problems have come up and pain is intense, so much so lately that relations with my husband have become impossible. Although I have been so consumed with my own needs and pain I realize that he to is going through a lot. I am so grateful to have had an understanding husband who's concern for my well-being out weighs his needs. I have been concerned if it is like my OBGYN says and I am most certainly going to have to have my ovaries removed as to what lies ahead as far as sexuality and the battle with proper hormone dosage and emotional feelings. I would like to say that I suffer bouts of depression off and on, it is worse during the winter months and this concerns me to. I assume it I have my ovaries out I will be automatically thrown into the change. I am still dealing with the recent death of my mom and wonder if any other out there who have recently had their ovaries removed might have some tips on remaining upbeat and positive and if they could share some positive things about ovary removal with hopes of pain lessening and hormone replacement that is bet. Do I need testosterone too? How does the doctor know what a womans body needs and is it just trial and error? I thank everyone in advance and I am so grateful for a site like this on long cold snowy nights for a woman who is scared and feels very alone right now. Thanks for any advice.

here I sit....alone and crying at my computer. My husband says that I only seem to dwell on the negative. I am soon to have a hysterectomy to remove LARGE fibroid tumor that was discovered a year and a half ago. I`m 51 years of age. My periods are still right on schedule...no hotflashes. This past year and a half, I have had a "sexual awakening". Never have I enjoyed sex as much. I think about it alot. I enjoy all aspect of sex immensely. I am terrified of losing this sexual energy after a hysterectomy. It would be like changing who I am. My Dr. wants to remove my ovaries as well....mostly because of my age and the deadly risk of ovarian cancer. Does being on HRT alliviate ALL menopausal symtoms? Will I be depressed? Will I lose my desire for sex? Will I be a ***** to live with? Will this change who I am? I am crying so hard that I cant see the stupid keyboard. My husband is upset that I am seemingly more concerned about my sexuality, then my health and well being. He went to bed upset a few moments ago, and said that maybe I should`nt have the surgery at all if it was bothering me that much. 50% of woman lose their desire for sex?????!!!!! This is unacceptable to me. I think I am going to call the whole thing off. I hope I come back in my next life with a PENIS!

Moonfairy
I cant realy reply with advice as I havnt had my op yet but Im keeping ovaries as am only 32 but losing cervix so am nervous about that,Im to lucky in the fact that I have a supportive hubby and the sexual side of our relationship is nearly non existant cause if Im not tired from taking care of the 4 childen and am to shattered and im very anaemic and have been for almost half of my life then Im petrified if we do it then it will make me bleed and bring on a period which it has done in the past so this has petrified me and I just have no desire to hurt anymore its not that I dont want to its a combination of fear and so tired I cant wait to get that side of my life back,we do do it but certainly not as often as we used to and my husband always says its not the most important part of our relationship just being together is fantastic and he just wants to see me well again ,weve been childhood sweethearts and first time boyfriend and girlfriend so have been through a lot in 15 years but the bottom line is we love each other so much and understand one another,you are not alone we are all out here for you,the 13th will be here soon and you will be absolutely fine,Im 10 days after you if I can get rid of this cold,all the best and enjoy your new life,this time next year we will be laughing about it all x x xLove Hayley
High desert diva
You sound so sad and I wish I had a bit of what you have(SEXUAL AWAKENING) do you have to have a hysterectomy to remove a fibroid why do you need to have it all taken away if its just a fibroid,I also have a large fibriod but my reason for mine is the heavy bleeding since the age of 16 when the fibroid was found that was a surprise to me,I dont know much and am no good at the medical side of things but am good at talking and listening .Can you not have the fibroid removed why does it have to mean a hysterectomy?I wish I could just give you a big hug and make you stop crying go and discuss with your doc how you feel Im sending you big hugs down the computer ok take care love Hayley x x x

	Quote:
Originally posted by highdesertdiva 50% of woman lose their desire for sex?????!!!!!

Was that a legitimate study, or hearsay? Can you supply the source if it was a legitimate study? I won't tell you that desire doesn't change after surgery, because it can. There are no guarantees. But there sure are a lot of PostOp ladies who talk about how their libidos have kicked into high gear, and they can't do much about it cause they haven't been cleared for sex yet.

To all who are facing the possibility of having their ovaries removed: have you discussed your fears and concerns with your DRs??? Questioned them about HRT? Found out their recommentations? Please don't assume anything. Know as much as possible before surgery.

Go to the Hormone Jungle and ask questions.

Please read this pre op article: click here about the ovaries. Generally if they are healthy there is no good reason to remove them unless you have a family history of ovarian cancer.