What are the effects of a hysterectomy especially with regard to the psychology and general feelings, both physically and sexually?
If this person has been on Tamoxifen, will the effect be less severe because the Tamoxifen is already reducing the level of estrogen? Are the effects of the drug the same as the operation?
Thanks
A hysterectomy in and of itself does not interrupt estrogen, since that is an ovarian function. Some hysterectomies are actually oosalpingohysterectomies (removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes as well as uterus). From a hysterectomy by itself, the main effects are no more periods and no more possibility of normal pregnancy.
The effects of removal of the ovaries on psychological, physical, and sexual (emotion and sensation) feelings varies from individual to individual, the same way it varies for menopause, so YMMV. If I recall correctly, common responses include thinning of the padding and lining of the vagina, reduced lubrication, reduced calcium uptake, “hot flashes”, increased risk of heart disease.
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My girlfriend had a hysterectomy when she was in her mid 20s (well before I met her). One ovary was removed also. Since the remaining ovary still produces hormones, she does not report any change in her sexual response, either physical or psychological. I can vouch for the physical side: no problem with her getting hot and juicy!
Also, she likes the fact that she doesn’t have to put up with a period, even though she still experiences the other effects of hormone cycling. I have heard that many women report reaching orgasm easier after a hysterectomy. This is often attributed to psychological relaxation: no fear of getting pregnant leads to ease of mind.
Thank you for replying. I know just a little enough about this to be dangerous.
I thought the operation always involved removal of the ovaries. So now I’m not sure as to the extent/type of the operation except that the ovaries are comming out.
Recent tests seem to indicate that there is an increased risk of uterine cancer, and the operation makes sense based on the genetic testing and family history.
She is on the drug as part of her recovery/treatment from breast cancer. Now knowing the reason for the proposed operation, does it seem like they may do a oosalpingohysterectomy?
Again, thanks for any insight
Hard to know. They might be scheduling a hysterectomy to pre-empt uterine cancer (leaving the ovaries), or they might want to snag the ovaries as well to reduce the risk of breast cancer while they’re at it.
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This is a very general question, probably best handled with web links. It is also well outside my area of expertise.
Here is the web site for ACOG, http://www.acog.org/
the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. If you click on Patient Education, and type hysterectomy in the search field, you will get a list of ACOG pamphlets regarding hysterectomies & the various conditions that necessitate the surgery. You can e-mail a request for up to 5 of these to be sent to you (or your friend) free of charge.
Here is a site from MEDline Plus (overview): http://www.ahcpr.gov/consumer/uterine2.htm
Here is a women’s support group for patients who have had, or are about to have, a hysterectomy: http://www.hystersisters.com/
Hysterectomies may or may not include salpingo-oophorectomies, depending upon the reason for the surgery. If the surgery is strictly to reduce the likelihood of future uterine cancer, then leaving the ovaries in place would be an option. If the surgery is being done to eliminate estrogen stimulation of any possible residual breast cancer, then the ovaries would need to be removed.
Obviously, this is something best discussed with the doctor recommending the surgery, AND the doctor who will be performing the surgery.
Sue from El Paso
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Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted.
thanks for the links!