Help!!! Painful intercourse

I had a complete hysterectomy on Dec. 11, 2006. I opted for no HRT, but to take Black Cohosh instead. By the fifth week post-op, I felt wonderful and doctor said everything was healed and okay for sex. My husband & I tried that night but sex was too painful for me. We thought maybe I just needed more time to heal and tried again every few days. Still very painful! I finally called the doctor after two weeks. She said this was vaginal dryness and prescibed Vagifem pills that are inserted vaginally. I have used the pill for 3 weeks and sex is still painful. (Other than painful sex, I feel wonderful. Just have a few night sweats, nothing major). Does anyone know if this will get better with the Vagifem or will I need to start HRT to get relief? Anyone out there had the same problem? Everyone I know that has had a hysterectomy says that it is the "best thing they ever did" but they never mention any problems with sex. I'm feeling like I'm the only one.

embarrassed

Hi!
I think I know how you feel. I was more scared to have sex after I got my OK from the Doc at the 6 week check than the REAL FIRST TIME. I had this fear that all the good work the Doc did would just Rip apart. I am not on HRT. I am taking a supplement with the black cohosh also and have had good luck. The first time we tried it seemed there were sore spots in different places inside my vagina. After that we used some KY jelly and that seemed to work it didnt hurt at all I was just waiting for something to go wrong. At this point I think my problem is mental. I have never had to use any type of lubricant before and had a hang up about that. Next time I think I will have a Margarita and try to relax a little. I think that is my problem. Its getting better every time.

Are you also lubricating vaginally? I was already completely post-menopausal and having vaginal dryness before surgery. I used Replens as a general moisturizer, and Astro-Glide as a sexual lubricant, and I continued with both after surgery. There are several different brands of lubricant. You will need to experiment to find out what works best for you. Find a long-lasting vaginal moisturizer and also a sexual lubricant. The long-lasting stuff you use a couple of times a week, like putting on hand lotion. The other is used just when you are having sex. It feels better if you use both. You will be amazed and pleased to discover what proper lubrication will do for your sexual encounters with your DH.

Good luck with this. It is very fixable - you just have to persist until you find the right combination of slick stuff. I was also put off with having to lubricate after menopause, but it becomes part of your routine, and makes sex fun again.

Thanks for some input. I am using a good lubricant and have every time we've tried. It does not feel dry inside so that's why I'm so perplexed and frustrated.

Luv2eat

I know exactly what you mean. We tried for the first time this week since having my TAH BSO. It really hurt. We also used KY. I don't think it is mental or from dryness. I feel like something inside is really hurting. If you find out what else to do, let me know.

I know the first few times were painful in one area of my vagina...I keep moving to avoid it. But I had some vaginal stitches as the docs removed the uterus thru my vagina and I'd never had kids. It was healed, but sensitive for a few weeks. Haven't had any problems since then. I was scared to death at first, and the need to use lubricant was getting to me too. I have found that a few times I have not needed it. Doc said I have a lot of natural estrogen left in my body still in my stored fat...that I am desperately trying to lose...Guess some is being released. LOL Ask your doctor, there might be something different going on! Good luck!

Luv2eat -
I am just curious if things have gotten better for you since this posting? If so did you try something different? I am having the same problem. I am a little over 3 months post op but the intercourse is PAINFUL, and it's not dryness or lack of lubrication. There have been a few times that "at times" it didnt feel as bad but for the most part its been painful. I've gotten to the point where I dont even desire to try b/c I know it's going to hurt. At my doc. appt. he said everything was healed and was great, so is this something I'm going to be stuck with forever or will it eventually stop and if so HOW LONG! I'm desparately ready to actually "make love" to my husband without PAIN! It's so frustrating and depressing.

Hyster Sisters

Things are a little bettter. I'm still using the Vagifem prescription the doctor prescribed. I have a week and a half of it left. I' m also trying an OTC product called Replens. It isn't a lubricant. It's a vaginal moisturizer that last for up to 3 days. It seems to be helping. I've been able to have sex without terrible pain. (Still not completely pain free) But things are improving thank goodness!

jyn2006,

Are things any better for you? Have you tried Replens? It seems to help a lot. I still have to use a lot of lubricant during sex also. I hope things are improving for you. I know it's very frustrating.

Luv2eat

We had sex (tried to) today me being 8 wks post op from a LAVH. It hurt so bad, it was like my husband was hitting a brick wall and couldn't go any further. We had used plenty of lubricant. Dr. had warned me it would probably hurt & I would probably bleed! He was right, I am afraid to try again.

mshowdy