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LEXX
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Posts: 1182
From: Still out looking for Schrödinger's cat.........& LEXIGRAMMING... is my Passion!
Registered: Jan 2008

posted August 30, 2008 11:01 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for LEXX     Edit/Delete Message
After far too much troubles with my uterus, I am considering getting it removed.
Question:
Are orgasms and sexual pleasure affected by having no uterus?

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It is not about waiting for storms to pass...it is about learning to dance in the rain!
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Eleanore
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Posts: 2799
From: Japan
Registered: Aug 2003

posted August 30, 2008 11:37 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Eleanore     Edit/Delete Message
From what I've read, a lot depends on whether or not you have your ovaries removed in the process. I've also read that there is a chance of loss of feeling due to nerves being cut but, from what I remember, that is not a guarantee just a possibility particularly if something goes wrong.

I did find an informative page:

Hysterectomy

quote:
SEXUALITY
Every person reacts differently, and reactions are a combination of emotional and physical responses. We still have much to learn about the effects of hysterectomy on sexual function.

Some women say they enjoy sex more after a hysterectomy, particularly if they had a lot of bleeding and pain beforehand. Some women feel more relaxed not worrying about getting pregnant.

Some women who have hysterectomies experience lower sexual enjoyment. There may be a number of reasons for this which are only partially understood.

For some women, uterine contractions and pressure against the cervix add to sexual pleasure. Others may feel less pleasure or reduced desire due to loss of certain hormones if ovaries were removed. Loss of hormones can cause vaginal dryness and make sex uncomfortable. Hormone replacement therapy may relieve some of these symptoms. A vaginal gel or lubricant can reduce vaginal dryness. For some women, reduction in sexual pleasure is temporary while they and their partners adjust. Because sexual feelings are so individual, it may be difficult to predict exactly how a hysterectomy will affect your feelings.



Also, I'm pretty sure the book Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom by Christianne Northrup, MD, delves into more concerns regarding hysterectomies. I know the book is a bit controversial but I'm prone to researching all pros and cons as best I can.

I'm wishing for you the best possible care and much health, LEXX.

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LEXX
Moderator

Posts: 1182
From: Still out looking for Schrödinger's cat.........& LEXIGRAMMING... is my Passion!
Registered: Jan 2008

posted August 30, 2008 01:02 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for LEXX     Edit/Delete Message
Thanks Eleanore!
quote:
uterine contractions and pressure against the cervix add to sexual pleasure.
That is the bit that worries me. I must admit I have always experienced fabulous orgasms and do not want that to change. However as menopause is slowly coming I experience now the horrendous cramps I had between about 9 1/2 years old and 50. No fun, especially along with my neuro troubles and severe IBS. And renewed bleeding at my age is generally not a positive thing. But finding a doctor who understands persons who are not 100% female presents another problem. Doctors are used to standard physiology and frankly I scare them.

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It is not about waiting for storms to pass...it is about learning to dance in the rain!
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Azalaksh
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Posts: 7048
From: New Brighton, MN, USA
Registered: Nov 2004

posted August 30, 2008 04:32 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Azalaksh     Edit/Delete Message
Hi LEXX

For me, the answer is NO -- no detrimental effects

I had a hysterectomy due to large fibroids.
I had my ovaries removed too due to a suspicious (possibly malignant) cyst on one of them. I did HRT for a year, but didn't want to continue, so I quit the hormones cold-turkey 10 months ago. The hot flashes were murder, but there are natural/herbal things I took to help. I've never suffered from PMS or extreme mood swings, so that wasn't an issue either. My body has adjusted now and I feel fine -- especially with NO MORE PERIODS!! (Don't hate me, ladies -- I did my time )

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LEXX
Moderator

Posts: 1182
From: Still out looking for Schrödinger's cat.........& LEXIGRAMMING... is my Passion!
Registered: Jan 2008

posted August 30, 2008 11:46 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for LEXX     Edit/Delete Message
Thanks Zala!
I have been told no HRT for me.
What are good safe alternatives and where do I get them?
Yeah 4 monster fibroids here and endometriosis.

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It is not about waiting for storms to pass...it is about learning to dance in the rain!
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