AFTER A HYSTERECTOMY
Posted by admin on February 26, 2011 under Skin Care | 
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There is absolutely no basis to a common belief that removal of the uterus causes a woman to lose her femininity. An old medical joke describes the hysterectomy as an operation that ‘removes the cradle but leaves the play pen*. This is very true. The organ in which the baby develops is removed. Future pregnancy is no longer possible.
But as long as the ovaries are left and hormonal production continues, normal sensations, feelings of sexuality, desire, climax (orgasm), love and affection, will continue unabated. Of this there is no doubt, ft has absolutely no effect on the woman such as her suddenly ageing, becoming ‘old hat’, developing grey hair, a wrinkled countenance, or anything else that would suddenly indicate advanced years.
She will respond to sexual stimulus in exactly the same way as she did previously. In fact, with all fear of pregnancy gone, and the need to take contraceptive precautions eliminated, many women find sex and intercourse far more rewarding mentally and physically.
Tactile stimulation tends to increase; often sensitivity of the breasts (and nipples) to manual or oral stimulation also increase. Some women may have found this lessened after childbirth, and this could continue; but if a woman has always found sexual arousal and enjoyment from such actions, these will continue and probably at a higher level of excitation.
Sexual excitation will usually stimulate the vulval glands to produce lubricating fluid. Intercourse will continue unimpaired and unhampered. The vaginal tract is usually lengthened following surgery, not shortened as some males fear.
It may be several weeks before normal sexual relationships can be resumed. The internal parts must heal and, as with any wound, this takes time. But gentle intercourse by an understanding partner will usually allow the procedure to return to normal fairly rapidly.
Some women believe that the operation will cause them to become suddenly obese. But this is a myth. Admittedly many women will increase weight after their operation, but a careful check will show that they usually feel better physically and mentally. This is often accompanied by a considerable increase in their daily food intake. The operation, in itself, does not cause a person to increase weight.
Some women tend to make invalids of themselves after their operation. The less physical activity that takes place, the less food burnt up as energy. Again, this is self-inflicted, and is another reason why some women appear to become obese after an operation of this nature. It is totally preventable by sensible habits and commonsense eating programmes. The more starch foods that are eaten (represented by sugar and refined flour in all forms), the greater are the risks of developing obesity. This applies to everyone, men and women and children, irrespective of age, maritial status or operational status. Well worth remembering!
In some older women where it was advisable to remove the ovaries as well as the uterus, doctors often back this up by the use of artificial oral hormones for a certain length of lime. This will help
reduce the risk of menopausal symptoms from flaring up. Hot flushes and sweats, a feeling of suffocation, and the other symptoms mentioned in the chapter on the change of life, all may be averted by judicious use of medication. This must be taken under a doctor’s regular supervision.
Women from whom the uterus only has been removed will not experience change of life symptoms, as ovarian hormone will still continue to be produced regularly.
Do not fear your forthcoming hysterectomy. It is for your own good, in your own interest, to make your future happier, symptom-free and more enjoyable. It will improve the quality of life and, most probably, longevity.
Certainly any operation is uncomfortable for several days afterwards. But pain control is easily maintained whilst you are in hospital. Most doctors prefer early ambulation, so you will be up and walking quite soon after the operation. Passing urine may be difficult for a day or two, but this usually settles down quickly.
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