Painful Intercourse Post Hysterectomy
Painful intercourse, medically known as dyspareunia, is a common issue that many women experience at some point in their lives. After a hysterectomy many individuals will report a level of discomfort or pain with intercourse.
Understanding Hysterectomy
Before we dive into the reasons behind painful intercourse after a hysterectomy, let's clarify what a hysterectomy is. A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which a woman's uterus is removed. Depending on the type of hysterectomy, other reproductive organs, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes, may also be removed. Hysterectomies are performed for various reasons, including uterine fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic pain, and gynaecological cancers.
What can cause painful intercourse after hysterectomy
Scar Tissue Formation: Following a hysterectomy, the body undergoes a healing process. Scar tissue, or adhesions, can form at the surgical site, which might cause discomfort during intercourse.
Reduced Vaginal Lubrication: The removal of the uterus and ovaries leads to hormonal changes that can result in reduced vaginal lubrication. Insufficient lubrication can lead to friction and discomfort during sex. Using a good quality Water Based Intimate Gel can be really helpful in reducing pain caused by reduced lubrication.
Altered Pelvic Anatomy: Depending on the type of hysterectomy, the pelvic anatomy may be altered, leading to changes in the position of the vaginal canal. Often these changes mean that the vaginal canal is shorter or narrower which can make intercourse more challenging and painful. Using vaginal dilators to lengthen, stretch and desensitise the vaginal canal can really assist with improving discomfort during intercourse.
Increased pelvic floor tone: due to the nature of how a hysterectomy is performed the pelvic floor can tighten after the procedure. This can reduce the relaxation of the muscles and can cause tightness, pain and trigger points within the pelvic floor muscles, which in turn can cause pain with intercourse. Using a Pelvic floor wand to reduce tone and areas of pain can be really useful in making intercourse more comfortable!
Psychological Factors: The emotional and psychological impact of a hysterectomy can also contribute to painful intercourse. Anxiety, depression, and body image issues can all affect sexual function and comfort.
Painful intercourse after a hysterectomy is a common issue that can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. While there are various causes, including scar tissue formation, reduced lubrication, and altered pelvic anatomy, dilators offer an effective and practical solution. By gradually stretching and conditioning the vaginal walls, women can regain comfort and confidence in their sexual lives after undergoing a hysterectomy.
Our team of Peak Floor physios are experts in treating pain with intercourse and there are various techniques, tools and exercises you can do to make intercourse comfortable and enjoyable again! You can book a consult with one of our team here.
