Sexual Problems after Surgery?

sue1
sue1 Member Posts: 31
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
I was wondering if anyone has experienced sexual changes since their hysterectomy/chemo treatments? Don't get me wrong-I'm thrilled to be alive and doing well at this time but I miss that part of me that existed before all this! I can understand the low libido and vaginal dryness because I've read about that, however, I'm finding it almost impossible to achieve orgasm. Do nerves get cut during the surgical procedure or is this totally a hormonal thing. I am going to see my gyn next month (1st appt since completion of chemo)and thought it'd be a good idea if I had more ideas/thoughts on this before I see him. I had already gone thru menopause prior to the ovca diagnosis and I'm not on any hormones at this time. Thanks so much, Sue

Comments

  • crtsang
    crtsang Member Posts: 102
    #2
    I don't have any answers, but I'd like to know what you find out when you do. I've had problems, but then I'm taking some medicines that interfere with libido and orgasm, so I can't really tell which is responsible--the meds or the surgery. I hope your doctor has some help for you.
    Carol
  • pshnyc
    pshnyc Member Posts: 45
    #3
    I would be very interested in what you learned. I had a complete hysterectomy in July of last year. This followed removal of one ovary in April 01 which was diagnosed as Stage 1C Ovarian cancer. Since the hysterectomy, I have had ZERO interest in sex...no feeling. Most of the time, I even hate to be touched by my husband. My gyne oncologist now has me on very lose dose estrogen which is helping w/the hot flashes, but doing nothing about my libido. I, too, am grateful to be here, but also miss the closeness my husband and I once shared. I would love to know if you learned anything in your search! Thanks. pshnyc
  • pooh496
    pooh496 Member Posts: 1
    #4
    I am 11 months out of sugery and am still having problems in this area. I have 0 interest in sex which has caused friction in my marriage.We are working on it! My Dr told us to use crisco shortening for the dryness but I don't know what to do about the loss of interest. I think some of it has to do with my dwelling on my condition and fears and not thinking anybody understands.
  • teripc
    teripc Member Posts: 1
    #5
    I had many sexual side effects after my surgery,but with a lot of patience they can all be worked out. I was left with very little of my vagina so you can imagine the problems we had. I myself would NOT use crisco use KYjelly its water soluble. good luck to you all.
  • JDSurvivor
    JDSurvivor Member Posts: 2
    #6
    I was diagnosed with ovca IIIc in Sept. 2000 and since then have had no interest in sex. I want the closeness but not the sex, if you know what I mean. We had a great sex life before. The vaginal dryness can be worked aroound bur I have no passion, no tingle. It's depressing. My doctor has little to offer. I miss the closeness with my husband too.
  • ellmey
    ellmey Member Posts: 4
    #7
    JDSurvivor said:

    I was diagnosed with ovca IIIc in Sept. 2000 and since then have had no interest in sex. I want the closeness but not the sex, if you know what I mean. We had a great sex life before. The vaginal dryness can be worked aroound bur I have no passion, no tingle. It's depressing. My doctor has little to offer. I miss the closeness with my husband too.

    It is comforting to me to read your message.
    I was diagnosed with ovca stage 2a September 2002 at the age of 42. I had a hysterectomy and both ovaries removed. After surgery my MD started me on a estrogen patch. It was great!--no hot flashes, no menopause symptoms.
    During the year leading up to my cancer diagnosis I had become increasingly tired and apathetic (anemic) and found my sex drive diminishing. I could easily explain it away---single working mom doing too much. After I was on the patch the sex drive came back out of nowhere and the vaginal dryness disappeared. I couldn't believe it. Sex was never better.

    Then 8 weeks later I started chemo and things began to change. I completed my last round of chemo in March. My hair is growing back but not my sex drive. It is having a negative affect on my relationship with my boyfriend. There are days when I don't even want him to touch me---its not a PMS irritablity either.
    My MD says give yourself time. My intuition says time has nothing to do with my lack of libido.

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