Sex After Hysterectomy: What Studies Show About Desire, Orgasm and Pain

Worry about sex is one of the most common concerns before a hysterectomy.¹ Here’s what the research shows for surgery done for noncancerous reasons.

A two-year study of more than 1,100 women

The Maryland Women’s Health Study asked women about sex before hysterectomy and repeatedly for two years after.¹

	Before	2 years after
Sexually active	70.5%	76.7%
Frequent painful sex	18.6%	3.6%
Not having orgasms	7.6%	4.9%
Low desire	10.4%	6.2%

¹

Overall, sexual function improved after surgery.¹ Most women in this study were 35 to 49, so results may differ around or after menopause.¹

Mood mattered. Women who were depressed before surgery were more likely to have pain, dryness, low desire or trouble with orgasm afterward.¹ If you’re feeling low, mention it before surgery.

Does keeping the cervix help?

Some women ask for a “subtotal” hysterectomy, which leaves the cervix, hoping to protect sexual function. A Cochrane review found no difference in sexual, bladder or bowel function between keeping and removing the cervix, up to nine years later.² Keeping it did make ongoing light monthly bleeding more likely.²

Our guides to hysterectomy approaches and keeping or removing ovaries cover other decisions. If dryness is a concern, see moisturizers vs. lubricants.

Questions to ask your surgeon

1. When can I resume sex, and what should I watch for?
2. Will my ovaries be removed, and how might that affect desire or dryness?
3. What can I do if sex hurts after I’ve healed?

Try: “I’m worried my sex life will change after hysterectomy. What do you expect for someone like me, and who should I call if there’s a problem afterward?”

Down There, Decoded includes a Down-There Log and a See script for appointments. Use them to note any pain, dryness or changes in desire after surgery. Explore the intimate-health playbook.