Dr. R, I wrote to you about a month ago. I did decide to go ahead and have the Laproscopic Bilateral(other part of hysterectomy) done. I had the partial in 2000. I had it done one week ago today. I am feeling much better. Little pain in the navel area. Some “hot flashes” ocurring in the early hours of the morning for a few minutes and then they go away. My doctor said that the surgery went well and I am to follow-up with him in about 3 weeks. Dr. R, I hear some women say that they lost their drive for sexual intercourse. Does this happen in all women who have total hysterectomies or does it depend on the female. I am a little nervous about this. I have been married 18 1/2 years and my husband is a wonderful man. What advice do you have now that all my plumbing is gone. Thanks for your previous response to my question in April. I really love your website. God Bless R (Alabama)
Dear R from Alabama,
We are learning more every day about women’s sexuality, and we have found that a variety of hormones definitely contribute to sex drive. Some of these hormones are produced by the ovary, while others come from the adrenal glands (on top of your kidneys) and others come from your brain. Chances are your sex drive will be just fine, possibly better now that the source of pelvic pain is gone, along with the worry. The love and stability in your relationship trumps all, as this is the sexiest of sex drive factors.
Thank you for getting back to us and sharing your story.
Dr. R