The authors also found that orgasms increased and libido improved after hysterectomy. Fewer women reported experiencing vaginal dryness after the procedure. The researchers report that prehysterectomy depression was associated with painful intercourse, vaginal dryness, low libido and not experiencing orgasms. Thus, the results of this study indicate that women undergoing hysterectomy are likely to experience a good outcome in terms of sexual functioning. According to background information cited in the article, more than 500,000 women in the United States undergo hysterectomy yearly for treatment of chronic benign gynecological conditions.
Women often are concerned about a hysterectomy affecting their sexual function.
This theory is supported by the fact that the women in this study were highly symptomatic before their hysterectomies and reported improvements not only in sexual functioning but also in many aspects of health and well-being. Freedom from vaginal bleeding and fear of pregnancy may also account for some of the observed improvements. The authors add that this study should not be misconstrued to indicate that hysterectomy improves sexual functioning in healthy women. In contrast, we can see no reason to believe that removal of a healthy uterus would improve sexual functioning. Go back to the top.