Hysterectomy & Sex: What Really Happens to Your Libido, Pleasure & Recovery

By: Jay Dee, MPH

Sex After Hysterectomy: What Changes, What Doesn’t, and What No One Explains

If the thought of a hysterectomy makes you wonder if your sex life will survive — or even thrive — you’re not alone. Hysterectomy is one of the most intimate surgeries a woman can undergo, and many wonder how removing the uterus — and sometimes the cervix or ovaries — will affect desire, sensation, lubrication, and orgasm. Some women fear loss of pleasure; others experience relief from pain and heavy bleeding that had sabotaged their libido for years. In this blog, we cut through the fear and confusion to explain what a hysterectomy really means for your sexual health, based on the latest clinical evidence and patient outcomes.

What Is a Hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a woman’s uterus. After surgery, you will no longer menstruate or be able to become pregnant. It’s commonly performed for chronic pelvic pain, fibroids, heavy bleeding, or cancers of the reproductive system.

Types of Hysterectomy Explained

There are several surgical approaches and purposes:

• Total hysterectomy: Removes the entire uterus and cervix.

• Partial (supracervical) hysterectomy: Removes the uterus but leaves the cervix intact.

• Radical hysterectomy: Removes the uterus, cervix, part of the vagina, and surrounding tissue — typically used for cancer.

• With or without ovary removal: Removing ovaries (oophorectomy) leads to surgical menopause and can impact hormones critical for sex drive and lubrication.

How Hysterectomy Affects Sexual Function

Libido & Desire

Hysterectomy doesn’t automatically kill sex drive. Research shows that overall sexual function, including desire, often doesn’t change significantly after surgery — and many women report improvements because pain and bleeding that once interfered with intimacy are gone.

However, if the ovaries are removed, the loss of estrogen and testosterone may lower libido and natural lubrication because these hormones play a key role in sexual response.

Vaginal Lubrication & Arousal

Removal of the cervix and uterus can slightly change genital sensation, but most women retain the ability to become aroused and lubricated naturally. Women who undergo hysterectomy without ovary removal tend to have better lubrication and orgasm outcomes than those who have both ovaries removed.

Orgasm & Sensation

You can absolutely still orgasm after a hysterectomy. Orgasm largely depends on clitoral and pelvic nerve stimulation — and neither the clitoris nor the nerves for orgasm are removed in standard hysterectomies. Some women notice changes in the quality of orgasm, but many report improved sexual satisfaction post-surgery.

Recovery & Return to Sex

Most doctors recommend waiting 6–8 weeks after surgery before resuming vaginal sex to allow internal healing and reduce infection risk. Be sure to follow your surgeon's orders regarding the resumption of sex.

What Women Report: Survey & Study Insights

• A large review found that many women’s overall sexual function improved or stayed the same after hysterectomy, regardless of whether the cervix was removed.

• Some studies report increased sexual pleasure six months after surgery across different surgical types.

• Surveys also show that about half of women report improved sexuality one year after surgery

  
  

Life, Libido, and Pleasure After Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy doesn’t erase your sexuality. For many women, it removes the pain, bleeding, and discomfort that once interfered with intimacy. While hormone changes — especially when ovaries are removed — can influence libido and lubrication, orgasm, arousal, and desire are still very much possible after recovery. With time, communication, and the right support, many women report feeling just as sexually satisfied — or even more — than they did before surgery.

Until Next Time,

The Vagina Liberator

FAQs Hysterectomy and Sex

Q: Will I still have sex drive after a hysterectomy?

A: Yes — many women maintain or even report increased libido after surgery, especially when pain is relieved. However, removing ovaries may lead to hormonal changes that can lower sex drive.

Q: Can I still orgasm after a hysterectomy?

A: Yes. Orgasm depends on clitoral and nerve stimulation, which are preserved in hysterectomy procedures.

Q: Does removing the cervix affect pleasure?

A: Clinical evidence suggests that removing the cervix does not significantly change sexual function compared with leaving it intact.

Q: When can I have sex after surgery?

A: Most providers advise waiting about 6–8 weeks to allow full healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Q: Will I be drier after hysterectomy?

A: Some women notice changes in lubrication, especially if the ovaries are removed, but many retain natural lubrication. Hormone therapy and lubricants can help if dryness occurs.