How I escaped FOUR hysterectomies

Telinde's Operative Gynecology, 7th ed, Ch Philadelphia, JB Lippincott, The anterior leaf of the broad ligament is incised toward the level of the internal os with Metzenbaum scissors. Bilateral incisions meet in the midline. The ureter is visualized on the medial leaf of the broad ligament in this space. If adhesive disease impedes visualization here, the ureter can be identified at the pelvic brim where it crosses the iliac vessels at their bifurcation. The ureter can then be followed downward through its course to ensure that further dissection does not compromise its integrity Fig.

The ureter appears as a white, nonpulsatile tubular structure with fine blood vessels noted longitudinally on the adventitia. It is best identified by visualization of its characteristic peristaltic activity. It can also be palpated by the operator's thumb being placed deep on the intraperitoneal side of the posterior medial leaf of the broad ligament and the index finger deep on the retroperitoneal side of this medial leaf.

This palpation can then guide the dissection to achieve adequate visualization. The ureter crosses the iliac vessels at their bifurcation, continues below the infundibulopelvic ligament on the posterior medial leaf of the broad ligament, and crosses under the uterine vessels before turning anterior and medially to enter the bladder. The Ovary and Fallopian Tube The avascular portion of the posterior broad ligament lateral to the uterus, anterior to the ureter, and posteromedial to the infundibulopelvic ligament is identified and tented upward with the index finger Fig.

It can be bluntly or, if thickened, sharply entered. If the ovary and fallopian tube are not being removed, this window allows isolation of the proximal fallopian tube and utero-ovarian ligament. These structures are clamped with two Kelly clamps close to the uterus with care being taken that the lateral clamp does not impinge on the ovarian capsule.

The Kelly clamp on the uterus can be replaced so that its tip extends into the window. The pedicle is cut, leaving two clamps laterally Fig. This allows the pedicle to be free tied as one clamp is released, then transfixion sutured around the second clamp Fig. The posterior broad ligament is tented upward in the avascular space lateral to the uterus, posteromedial to the adnexa and anterior to the ureter.

This space is entered to create a window in the broad ligament. If the ovary and fallopian tube are to be conserved, two Kelly clamps are placed across the fallopian tube and utero-ovarian ligament in close proximity to the uterus. The Kelly clamp at the uterine cornua is advanced so that its tip extends into the window. A free tie is placed with removal of the lateral clamp. A transfixion suture is then placed beneath the second clamp. When the ovary and fallopian tube are to be removed, the window produced in the broad ligament serves to isolate the infundibulopelvic ligament, which is clamped with two Kelly clamps above the level of the ureter.

The most distal clamp is placed first. A third clamp immediately adjacent to the ovary and fallopian tube prevents back-bleeding Fig. The ligament is cut above the two distal clamps. The distal end is free tied and then transfixion sutured with delayed absorbable suture. The proximal end is also tied and may be suspended from the Kelly clamp on the uterus to prevent the ovary and tube from obstructing the operative field.

If the ovary and fallopian tube are to be removed, three Kelly clamps are placed across the infundibulopelvic ligament through the window in the broad ligament. Developing the Bladder Flap The bladder flap is further developed by lifting the anterior peritoneum and retracting the uterus cephalad to expose the bladder reflection and enter the vesicocervical space Fig.

This space can be developed bluntly if there is no scarring from previous surgery or adhesive disease. Otherwise, sharp dissection in the midline is recommended. Excessive dissection in the anterolateral direction may disrupt the bladder pillars vesicouterine ligaments and cause unnecessary bleeding. Care should also be taken not to cut into the cervix when dissecting free the bladder, because this also creates extra bleeding. If the bladder is densely adherent to the cervix in the midline, the lateral areolar spaces can be developed approaching the midline to help define the appropriate plane between the bladder and cervix in prelude to sharp dissection.

In the most difficult cases, a small cystotomy in the dome of the bladder can be made to allow the surgeon to insert a finger into the bladder and apply pressure to the bladder mucosa in the area being dissected. The dissection can then be accomplished with full awareness of the proximity of the bladder. The bladder flap is developed by lifting the anterior peritoneum and retracting the uterus cephalad to expose the bladder reflection and enter the vesicocervical space.

After the surgeon mobilizes the bladder inferiorly, the pelvic ureter is palpable through its course beneath the uterine artery lateral to the internal cervical os. Mobilization of the bladder is continued at intervals during the remainder of the hysterectomy to ensure that it is completely free from the base of each pedicle. Uterine Vessels and Cardinal Ligaments The uterine vessels are skeletonized by removing any overlying avascular areolar tissue and further incising the posterior peritoneum toward the internal cervical os Fig.

Incision of the peritoneum over the posterior cervix between the uterosacral ligaments may be delayed until later to avoid extra bleeding. This peritoneum may require no further mobilization if the reflection of the rectum is below the lower margin of the cervix. The uterine vessels are triple clamped with curved Heaney clamps at the level of the internal cervical os Fig. The lowest clamp is placed first. The vessels are cut with Mayo scissors, leaving two clamps on the distal pedicle. This pedicle is ligated with a single suture, then a transfixion suture of 0 delayed absorbable suture.

The cardinal ligament is then approached with a straight Heaney clamp placed medially to the previously ligated uterine vessels. The anterior portion of the clamp is placed on the cervix in the vesicocervical space and the posterior portion on the cervix medial to the uterosacral ligament Fig. As the clamp is closed, it is allowed to slide off the lateral surface of the cervix. Because the ureter is located approximately 2 cm lateral to the cervix within the cardinal ligament, this technique allows the minimal amount of lateral tissue to be incorporated into this pedicle and decreases potential pulling or kinking of the ureter as the pedicle is tied.

The cardinal ligament pedicle is cut with the knife and transfixion sutured with 0 delayed absorbable suture. Depending on the length of the cervix, several progressive bites with the straight Heaney clamp down each side of the cervix may be required before reaching the level of the external cervical os. The uterosacral ligaments may be included with the cardinal ligament pedicles or taken separately with a curved Heaney approaching the cervix from the posterolateral direction Fig. The posterior peritoneum is incised toward the posterior cervix at the level of the internal cervical os.

The uterosacral ligaments join the cervix just beneath this level. Incision of the peritoneum immediately posterior to the cervix may be delayed until later to avoid extra bleeding. This peritoneum between the uterosacral ligaments may require no further mobilization if the reflection of the rectum is below the lower margin of the cervix.

The uterine vessels have been skeletonized. Three curved Heaney clamps are placed at right angles to the vessels. The lowest clamp is placed first and is at the level of the internal cervical os. A straight Heaney clamp is placed across the cardinal ligament medial to the previously ligated uterine vessels. Maintaining close proximity to the cervix maximizes the distance between the pedicle and the ureter. The uterosacral ligament may be approached with a curved Heaney clamp from the posterolateral direction.

The ligament is then cut and ligated with 0 delayed absorbable suture. Cervix Removal and Cuff Closure A closed technique for removing the cervix from the upper vagina is beneficial in decreasing spillage of vaginal contents into the abdomen. This technique decreases the risk of infection and the formation of symptomatic granulation tissue at the vaginal apex.

The lower edge of the cervix is palpated by placing the operator's hand into the cul-de-sac with the palm facing the uterus, the index and middle fingers on the posterior cervix and vagina, and the thumb on the anterior cervix and vagina. Palpation and visualization in this area will ensure that the bladder and, if necessary, the rectum have been adequately mobilized. A curved Heaney is placed across the lateral vaginal apex with its tip extending across the upper vagina immediately beneath the cervix Fig. A similar placement on the other side allows the two Heaney clamps to meet in the midline.

If the vagina is wide enough that the two clamps do not meet, then these pedicles can be cut and the procedure repeated across the remainder of the upper vagina. Statinsky scissors provide a right-angle cut that is ideal for transsecting these pedicles. Removal of the uterus is thus achieved. The pedicle within the curved Heaney clamp is then transfixion sutured with 0 delayed absorbable suture. The vaginal angle sutures are tagged. The anterior and posterior vaginal mucosa is trapped within the clamp by this technique and does not need to be identified separately. If, however, a clamp slips loose, the anterior and posterior vaginal mucosa must be identified and incorporated into the closure to prevent these edges from continuing to bleed into the vagina.

The bladder and, if necessary, the rectum have been adequately mobilized. A curved Heaney clamp is placed across the lateral vaginal fornix with its tip extending across the upper vagina immediately beneath the cervix. Reperitonealization is not necessary unless hemostasis of the peritoneal edge is a concern. New mesothelium arises from the subperitoneal connective tissue cells, not the adjacent peritoneal edge, 3 and occurs simultaneously in all exposed areas independent of the size of the defect. In cases where drainage of the pelvic cavity through the vagina is desired, such as surgical intervention for active pelvic inflammatory disease unresponsive to antibiotic therapy, an open vaginal cuff with a drain is appropriate.

This technique involves identifying the anterior vagina in the midline. The full thickness of the vaginal wall is grasped and held with a long Allis clamp. The vagina above this clamp is entered sharply. One blade of the Mayo or Statinsky scissors is placed within the vagina immediately beneath the cervix. The vagina is circumferentially cut to completely remove the cervix and uterus. As the vagina is being cut, long Allis clamps are placed at both vaginal angles and on the anterior and posterior vaginal walls Fig. Angle sutures of 0 delayed absorbable suture are placed, incorporating the full thickness of the anterior vaginal wall, the adjacent cardinal ligament and uterosacral ligament, and the posterior vaginal wall.

A suture of 0 delayed absorbable suture is placed from inside to out through the full thickness of the vagina beneath its cut edge, locked over the edge, and continued circumferentially around the top of the vagina for hemostasis Fig. A T-tube or Malincrot drain is placed through this open cuff with its end extending into the vagina. The anterior and posterior peritoneum are reapproximated with a continuous suture over the drain to maintain it in a retroperitoneal position.

The vagina is incised circumferentially just beneath the cervix. Long Allis clamps are placed on the vaginal angles and on the anterior and posterior vaginal walls. The angle suture incorporates the full thickness of the anterior vaginal wall, the adjacent cardinal and uterosacral ligament, and the posterior vaginal wall. A suture is then placed through the full thickness of the vagina beneath its cut edge, locked over the edge, and continued circumferentially around the top of the vagina for hemostasis.

The abdomen is copiously irrigated and each pedicle inspected. The bladder is gently lifted and its base visualized. The drs swore there would be no change and it would be a total improvement in everything for her. SO yes these women who say sex got better are either full of shit or fresh out of surgery still have hormones in their system , wait about 6 months to a year and see how things are.

My heart goes out to you heather, I know what those butchers did to you and how you were lied to because they did it to my wife. All i want is my wife back ,this person I am with now is not her at all. Hormones certainly play a role in sexual function but the uterus itself does too as well as the connecting nerves, blood vessels and ligaments that are severed during hysterectomy. How can a woman do this to another woman???!!!!!

This is a living hell for both of us. Anytime i hear anyone mention they may need a hysterectomy i tell them to exhaust every option and get multiple opinions and do it only as a absolute last life or death resort. I only wish I had the sense to have looked online for sites like this before I was put on the spot by my wife and her Dr. Bob — Thank you for sharing and having the courage to speak out against this egregiously harmful practice that destroys so many women and their families. There are some good Medical Error and Patient Harm Facebook communities if you want to share there too.

Extreme irritability, nastiness, depression, loss of interest in everything, feeling very overwhelmed by even the smallest things, memory and cognition issues including severe attention deficit and of course loss of sexual desire and function are very common effects of ovary removal and even hysterectomy without ovary removal. You mentioned on another post that your wife had tried HRT and anti-depressants. Did she try all the different delivery routes of estrogen — oral, patches, gels, vaginal ring, pellets? The patch was a disaster for me but two other routes have worked. Is that enough time to have seen results of some kind?

I literally have to make EVERY decision in the home, she just seems unable to make the simplest decision on her own. I could barely function in most areas of life after my unwarranted hysterectomy. Has she had blood work done to check her estradiol or estrogen level? She may be on too low of a dose of the pill or it may be an inadequate HRT for her.

Some women find that they need a little testosterone instead of or in addition to estrogen. However thanks to your help, i now have a list of things to go over with the dr when the two of us go together to see them. I want to thank you so much for that and i will report back as this goes a long. He basically told us the hysterectomy affects very little and the estrogen is just for healthier bones down the road. He says low libido is basically from stress or other non health related problems.

Hope he retires soon. If we were to castrate a man, one could imagine his libido diminishing. That would be self-incriminating showing that he failed to provide informed consent before surgery. That is why these surgeries are so common. If women were told the many after effects, as well as the necessary information about their diagnosis and all other treatment options, they would not consent to this surgery. Although hormones can be helpful for many of the symptoms, they cannot replace what was lost. And they are not one size fits all so can take a bit of trial and error. I hope she can find something that will give her a better quality of life!

Just to be clear, this was a different Dr then the one that did her surgeries, but same mindset obviously. She had my wife tested to her levels and we will then come back so my wife can be started on progesterone and testosterone treatments. Only semi-negative to the new therapy is the pups cannot sleep in bed with us anymore due to fear of coming into contact with the hormones.

Not really a big deal and its nice to have the whole bed to ourselves again, funny how much room 3 small dogs can take up in a bed lol. Her hair color has even changed back to her more brighter vibrant red that it used to be, even if a little bit, it is noticeable. She seems to have a bit more get up and go about her to want to do things and enjoy life again. Hopefully we can find the right combination so she can feel the pleasure again that she gives me.

So far things are going very well with the HRT. Thank you WS for a site like this. Heather , I can completely identify w you at this very second. I somehow let my gyno talk me into a hysterectomy wed when all I was doing was having 2 periods a month. I feel now that my sex life is doomed. Maybe I shld recover and wait and see but had I known a cervix removal changes so much from nerve endings blood flow to these otherwise sexual areas , top of vagina removed stitched up like a dark room.

Ugh I feel as you right now. Very sorry to hear this, I hope things get better for you — right now I have no optimism to share but everyone experience is different — I hope you are one of the lucky ones. What would you do? So, yes of course under the knife I went. Woke up in my hospital room to be told I lost all my left ovary and partial right due to b9 tumor and cysts. I was given no education on what this could mean for my future. I recovered and had a healthy delivery. The following months I would learn that my life was changed forever. Month after month I dealt with heavy bleeding and irregularitie in my period including lots of pain.

I recall going to the doctor complaining but was just given something for the monthly pain and sent on my way. Intercourse hurt and has never been the same. The visit led to a pap smear where they sent me for an internal sonogram. Yes, there on the screen the tech and I was seeing ovaries that were supposed to be removed and portions cut off of there and intact.

I was shocked but kept my cool. I asked how I could get a copy of the images. I obtained that along with my surgical notes. Ok, from the sonogram the dr. Says I had a lot of scar tissue that needed to be removed and refered me to surgeon. She told me according to images it was a mess in there and said she would save what she could. I was released and told to take estrogen pills goodbye. I was 30 years old, unmarried at this time and had no clue how things could get worse, I was hopeful that everything was fixed and I would have a better quality of life. I was just a moody person for years.

My wedding night was a disaster I could NOT bare sex, it was so unbearable. I knew I had no desire at all but for it to hurt like that was never something I thought would happen. We tried over the next few months but failed. I fell into a depression. This problem along with my self esteem, social life, etc. April I finally got in with another network to meet a obgyn whom placed me on a estrogen patch and said it would fix my problem. Well, it did help with moods. January I write this today dealing with a broken marriage low self esteem no answers. My hysterectomy stole my life.

This is not the way I should feel at This is my Hysterctomy horror story. The ovaries can regenerate if there is some ovarian tissue left which may be why the ultrasound showed you had ovaries when one and part of one had supposedly been removed. Unfortunately, this is not unusual. Have you tried a higher dose patch or another form of estrogen such as the pill or a gel? With your list of symptoms, it sounds like you may not be getting enough estrogen.

The patch did not work well for me. I think my estrogen dropped too much when it was due to be changed and then it took too long to ramp back up too many fluctuations. That was with the 2x per week patch. I never tried the weekly patch Climara. My depression was awful on the patch to the point of being suicidal along with a laundry list of other symptoms of low estrogen.

Now that they have taken things out and I have read it makes it even more shallow I am terrified of harming her. We had sex a lot before she began having pain which slowed us to one or two times a month if lucky now her pain is gone she is waiting for the all clear date of the 16th of Feb. Is there anything we need to know as men to ensure a safe and pleasurable experience?

I have to all but drag her out to go do things we used to enjoy before. I love my wife so much but this person i am married to now is not my wife at all, only in looks. I still think she is the most beautiful woman i have ever seen. I know find that the only affection I get in my own home is from the stray dogs we take in, how is that for pitiful?

Some women cannot endure deep penetration after hysterectomy since the vagina is shortened. You will have to take it slowly and see if this is an issue or not. I had a hysterectomy leaving one ovary due to endometriosis 5 years ago and I have a greater sex drive and better orgasms than before. Endo left me in pain, irritable… I missed parties because of heavy bleeding and special occasions, I peed 8 times a night and was anemic from bleeding.

I have no uterus or cervix now but have very strong orgasms from inside that pulse just like uterine orgasms. So true, everyone is different. I had uterine ablation dine for heavy periods. I have ovaries still. Only down fall is my breast are shrinking after tvh. And why did you end up having a hysterectomy 7 years after the ablation? Unfortunately, that is a risk of ablations especially in women under age Thank you for sharing. Your sex life is still great because you have your ovaries, if they want to remove those, fight it at all costs. Hi, recently I was told that I have Adenomyosis and will need a hysterectomy done.

I am 49y with heavy period with pain for the first two days of my seven days period. Theres not much pain when I take baraglin and cataflan pain killer. I have constant lower back pain. Do I really need a hysterecomy? Although pain can make us desperate for a solution, the trade-offs of hysterectomy would put you in a worse situation especially in the long-term.

You can read all 13 of my articles to learn more about this damaging surgery — https: Lorna — I failed to mention that there are options to treat the heavy bleeding if it disrupts your life too much or is causing you to lose too much iron. Now I am anemic and been experiencing shortness of breath and hair loss in addition to the lifestyle annoyances. I very interested in ur options for heavy bleeding. Have you been offered or tried Lysteda tranexamic acid? Paramedics keep it in their arsenal. This link lists meds for heavy menstrual bleeding along with their percent effectiveness — https: My diagnosis was the same and the constant back pain.

The only difference is I was considered post-menopausal 15 months with period, estrogen level of 3. Pills low dose BC or provera which I hated as they killed my sex drive.

Sexual Function after Hysterectomy

TLH surgery they left my ovaries. No one can make the decision for you I. I had to have a partial hysterectomy vagina only — ovaries intact to remove a 1 kg fibroid, no choice here, it kept growing bigger and bigger. After removing my ectopic fibroid outside uterus she said she removed the uterus including cervix because it was so crushed by the big fibroid. Since then I was 48 yo now 52 I have lost complete libido and have no uterine orgasms which were strong prior to the surgery.

I can still have a clitorial orgasm but that is nothing compared to uterine orgasms and they are very difficult to attain. But yes, I am experiencing this great loss and wish there had been another solution. Perhaps I should have said no to the uterus removal, at least the cervix could have been left, but no it was removed it without my consent. She said I have been influenced by what I read on the internet. According to Masters and Johnson, the famous sex experts, the uterus is key to orgasm.

I had a hysterectomy in I had no choice, I had a prolapsed uterus. Literally my insides were falling out. A couple years after that i had a vagina lift like a face lift. I still have my ovaries but cervix on up is gone. I was sad hearing all the issues I was supposed to have experienced after my hysterectomy however I have none of them. I had wondered if they actually did the surgery till the dr for my 2nd surgery confirmed those items were missing.

The dr also said that its your brain that sends the signal for menstrual back pains, bloating, etc and that it would stop sending signals after 6 months to a year. Almost 24 years later and I still retain water and Have lower back aches every 3rd week of the month like clock work!! I would say the cyclic PMS type symptoms are an indication that your ovaries are still working. Some women experience more severe PMS symptoms due to the impaired ovarian function that can ensue.

Just for the record — Hysterectomy is not necessary for prolapse. Pessaries can be used to suspend the organs. I had the exact same diagnosis. I am 10 days post surgery. The first three days were miserable and I was in a lot of pain. One week after the surgery I felt better than I did before the surgery. Talk to different doctors and see your options but after my hysterectomy I feel great.

He took my uterus, cervix and tunes. Misti — You are still in the surgical recovery stage. Unfortunately, many of the after effects of hysterectomy occur in the longer term — months or even years post-op. I had the same diagnosis as you did and my surgeon told me I needed a total hysterectomy.

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I refused three times. Thanks to WS, I was spared. I switched to cloth pads and that has made all the difference for me. After researching cloth pads, I learned that there is less menstrual pain with cloth pads. My periods are pain free now. Wishing you all the best. Lorna, I had adenomyosis which caused pain and heavy prolonged bleeding. I tried Provera and other non- hormonal drugs but had bad side effects from all of them with the exception of Prometrium, however, it did not stop the bleeding, only slowed it down.

I have posted on your site regarding the detriment of the Endometrial Ablation. Sadly, everything in your article, was spot on. So many who have had the Endometrial Ablation, in five years require a hysterectomy. I am one of those women, and it has been exactly 5 years. I wish I had found your forum and website prior to the Ablation. April of , I began bleeding in between periods. My periods come on every 11 days , and the bleeding will last anywhere from days, followed by pain, then back to the period and intermittent bleeding again.

Thankfully, the biopsy was negative, however the Ultrasound showed embedded fibroids which I already knew I had prior to the Ablation and my uterus is oversized. So, of course my only option is a Hysterectomy.

My Gyne wants me to have the surgery done robotically, because they say it is less evasive. Given my situation of 3 C-sections, my Dr. When I asked my Gyne if my sex life would change, she said of course, no, since I will still have my ovaries. I am totally not sold and am not comfortable with having this surgery. I have read too many stories of women having the worse sex life after a hysterectomy, even when the ovaries are left.

Also, this same Gyne was aware that I had embedded fibroids prior to the EA, and failed to tell me that the surgery was a hit or miss in the first place, which is why I am really considering not having the hysterectomy. The day of my ultrasound, I was talking to the tech performing the test. Another reason I am convinced that the business of hysterectomies is a booming money maker.

I know I am all over the place, but my mind is all over the place. I just turned 45, and am really thinking about waiting this out, praying that my period will just stop on its own, rather than have a completely life changing surgery. Hormone replacement is out of the question for me, due to a history of high blood pressure. I also have occasional heart palpitations , in which a heart condition has been ruled out.

Not sure what to do, confused. Please listen to your intuition. I wish I had listened to mine! Besides sexual dysfunction being common after hysterectomy, there are a host of other after effects as you can see from reading my other articles. What did the surgeon say yesterday? I have opted to have a second opinion, which I will schedule shortly. My pcp ordered blood work to check for anemia. I should hear something shortly. He said that years ago a Dr. Now she is Post menopausal and no longer has any of the issues. Sad that Hysterectomy seems to be the remedy to most Gynecological issues.

Low iron can make bleeding worse so it can be a catch Other than that, waiting it out may be your best bet versus having the fibroids removed myomectomy or some other procedure. Best of luck to you! I had my first fibroid after my 1st daughter. The fibroids did come back after my second child but I still be able to get pregnant 2 more. My pap is ok again. I stop my period since last year. My stomach is smaller My vagina is so dry.

I did a lot of research. My husband is very pleased. Tracy — So glad to hear you found a gynecologist who gave you advice on how to shrink your fibroids with diet thereby avoiding an unwarranted and damaging hysterectomy! At Tracy; I am just curious how you are doing since your diet and lifestyle change? It is the one that gives me the most trouble. I have been in the ER several times because of it excruciating pain that doubles me over and has me crying, nausea and vomiting, and swings and crying, cognitive impairment, and dizziness and just a few weeks ago was told it is degenerative.

Who are they to judge? What gives them the right to decide my life for me? I recently lost a bunch of weight in order to help my chronic pain condition and feel amazing. We got pregnant when I was 19 while dating and have been together ever since. So the thought of going under the knife terrifies me. My new OB says she is more than willing to work with me whether taking birth control pills or what have you but strongly insists on hysterectomy. I have a family history on my moms side of uterine fibroids and all the women on this side have had hysterectomies.

My grandmother had a fibroid the size of a grapefruit and my mother when she had a vaginal hysterectomy had her uterus full of fibroids. What I want to know is what is causing the fibroids? How can we as women control the growth of them with diet and exercise or lifestyle changes? Unlike a thyroid where you test and adjust the doses periodically. I feel like Ive been a guinea pig Throughout the years with my painful periods, cysts, headaches, severe PMS.

Trying birth control, pain medications, headache medications, lifestyle changes, Acupuncture, bio feedback etc. At this stage of my life I finally feel like I have it back now that I have controlled my chronic pain flare ups for the most part. I was 26 years old and allowed my doc and husband to make that decision for me. Had no children, which has left a permanent hole in my heart.

Long-Term Outcomes of the Total or Supracervical Hysterectomy (TOSH) Trial

They took very thing. No drive, no feelings down there, depression, fatigue, dry skin and hair. I saw a nurse practitioner a couple years ago and she firmly told me that my hysterectomy was unessessary. The doc who did mine shut down completely. Stopped seeing patients and disappeared. That was back when they were herding women into the operating room like cattle. But after reading this, it must still be going on.

I too will regret it for the rest of my life. Medical training encourages hysterectomy. Graduate Medical Education requires that each resident do at least 70 of them. And they continue to remove healthy ovaries castration despite the rarity of ovarian cancer 1. First let me say that I am so sorry for those who are having problems following a hysterectomy in any way and happy for those who are not. I came on here actually looking for the opposite type of answer. My husband and I always enjoyed a wonderful and healthy physical relationship until he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in After rsdiation and hormone treatment which ongoing we have not had that pleasure for a few years now.

This yeardue to bleeding and pain and other possible csncer indicators I underwent a complete hysterectomy — everything including the ovaries and the cervix. So I do not understand where it is coming from. With our circumstances we had hoped it would just all go away as it makes him feel so badly that we can no longer share that part like we used to.

But we are still completely devoted to each other at 26 years and going strong so we are good. But if someone could explain to me why this is happening, I would appreciate it. This article is very depressing. I am very fearful of having further cancer and to be honest am anxious to have a hysterectomy to eliminate what feeds the cancer in my body. After reading this article I feel like I will basically be left an empty shell without any feelings towards my husband. If what you are saying is correct, that most hysterectomies are not necessary then what other choice do I have??

What medical procedure can replace a hysterectomy? Having had complete hysterectomy myself over 20 years ago, I can tell you that it is not the equivalent to castration in the sense of loss of libido at all. Having had a complete hysterectomy so long ago not only saved my life but also made my life significantly better. I hope you find this helpful. It is much more common than all gynecologic cancers — endometrial uterine , ovarian and cervical. Did your gyn oncologist explain that most cases of precancer hyperplasia of the uterine lining endometrium are curable with medication?

Did you get a copy of the endometrial biopsy report that tells you the type of hyperplasia, e. This is so true. I wish our research was much more thorough. My sex life was doomed y the moment I awoke from surgery, a part of me was gone and i cannot explain my loss. This article is frustrating to read along with its responses.

Not all women are the same? Well, I had a total hysterectomy and sex is still amazing. I was back to work at day 10 and my man loves the feeling as much as before. Quite trying to scare women. We are all farcely different. Furthermore, learn to orgasm from your clitoral region. You must not have had uterine orgasms because those are much more intense than clitoral. As you can see from all the comments, you are clearly in the minority. There are many women suffering from little or no desire, impaired sensation and ability to orgasm and sometimes this does not happen immediately.

Physiology cannot be changed by attitude. However, we have no choice but to somehow accept and live with the changed impaired function. The intent of this article is not to scare but to educate. I totally agree with you I am 33? I had a hysterectomy at age I enjoy sex more now than I did pre hyst. I have a radical hysterectomy leaving ovaries thanks to cervical cancer, happening in a couple weeks. I have heard from many people that sex is almost better without a period or the risk of pregnancy in older age.

I think attitude, diet, and exercise can change a lot of physical and emotional side-effects that this surgery can try to steal. Be strong, stay positive, get healthy and strong and make yourself sexy. And others who were told their abnormal cells cervical dysplasia or endometrial hyperplasia would turn into cancer when it was very treatable without having a hysterectomy. Have you seen the pathology report or gotten another opinion gyn and pathologist?

I know we want to think the best but there is only so much that can be overcome by attitude, diet and exercise. I wish you the best whatever happens! JS seriously you are one of the lucky ones — no amount of positive thinking can undo nerve damage caused by a careless surgeon — I am jealous and hate you for being lucky and sanctimonious. I had a hysterectomy 3 yrs ago, and my sex life is non existent. I have no sexual desire, I have no orgasms. I feel like I have no feeling down there.

What can I do to help with my sex life? Hormone replacement therapy, etc. I used to have such wonderful uterine orgasms which of course can never happen again. I hope you can find something that helps! If you do, please share. Maybe it will help someone else here. Omg I feel the same whilst having sex I egg my man on to come as I feel nothing I used to feel my muscle inside vagina tighten round him no more even if I try to play with my clit that seems to have died please help I feel suicidale c.

Vicky, what your saying sounds like me, Im 43, i do my hair makeup, dress pretty but deep down inside I feel like I will never have sex life again.. I cry myself to sleep sometimes, cause its a lonely way to live.! Hello, I am trying to go a hysterectomy sometime next month and I am so scared. I do not have ovarian cancer however I do have fibroids that are affecting my cycles and causing very heavy bleeding. I birth control and nothing is really working for it get better.

Do you have answers for trying to go around getting the a hysterectomy especially in my condition with my fibroids being the size of a grapefruit setting rights in the middle of my cervix. There are other negative effects of hysterectomy besides possible loss of sexual desire and pleasure. You can read all 12 of my articles here — http: Are you aware that there are some non-hormonal medications to reduce heavy bleeding? Are you sure the fibroid is the cause of your bleeding? I personally was lied to about my condition to get me to consent to hysterectomy.

If the fibroid is indeed the cause and the bleeding is debilitating enough with no help from medications, then what about pursuing a myomectomy to have just the fibroid removed? Hysterectomy is easier and I believe more profitable than myomectomy so many more gynecologists will suggest it versus myomectomy. Hysterectomy is also done much more by residents than myomectomies so fewer gyns have myomectomy skills.

So it may take a bit of searching to find a gyn to do one. Making sure your surgical consent form only allows myomectomy should prevent this from happening. Hello I really thank you for this article. My story is a bit different in the sense that I am only 18 and I had all my female organs removed. When I was 16 I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and began a 2 year fight with the monster. I am currently in a remission and so far things are going well. I have never really enjoyed sex due to my past with sexual abuse but my boyfriend likes to fantasize about the future when we are older and settle down.

I had no idea the removal of these parts could effect me so immensely. After surgery I could not orgasm at all not even with masturbation… I just have no motivation for sexual pleasure. I just feel so lost and unsure of what to do…. My wife had a hysterectomy about 18 months ago. We have been married for 24 years and have always had a passionate sex life.

Two weeks ago, she informed me that she no longer has romantic feelings for me and has asked that I not make sexual overtures to her of any kind. This hit me like a ton of bricks. I have read this article and feel very strongly that the effects experienced by WS describe what has happened to my beautiful wife.

Needless to say, I am devastated. My two daughters have reached out to me repeatedly saying that they feel a loss of connection with Mom. I feel very strongly that a part of her is now missing. Most upsetting is that she called her GYN, who told her that because she still has her ovaries, she is physically fine, and should call a psychologist. My wife is 49 years old.

You call your doctor, they give you a name of somebody to talk to, and you set up an appointment. If you are luck, they are good. If you are not lucky, then well…. Finally after several arguments, I have urged her to insist on an appointment with her GYN. I am a gentle man and hate to push, but she has said that she is not even certain that she wants her feelings to return! We have a 15 year old daughter at home and an 18 year old daughter in college. We are pretending that everything is fine, but it is excruciatingly difficult as I see my wife pursuing a path to figure out what has happened to her that is simply incorrect.

I feel as though her heart has been cut out. Any advice as to how I can guide my wife towards understanding what has really happened. I have not been able to find any other information on the Web that corroborates what WS has said, but I know in my heart that it is true. If there is any information, or anyone that I can speak to, this would be greatly appreciated.

Hysterectomy: 'Non invasive' procedure to remove womb could increase RISK to patient

They have to maintain their stance that the uterus is merely a reproductive organ. Admitting otherwise would put a big dent in their very lucrative hysterectomy business and make it easier for women to sue. I often wonder what medical students are told and purposely not told about the female organs. But even if medical schools withhold the truth, the fall-out practicing gynecologists see in hysterectomized patients should make it clear that the uterus is an essential organ for multiple reasons. Those who are ethical would then stop doing these surgeries unless absolutely necessary or at least inform their patients of the after effects beforehand informed consent.

But that seems to be rare. I have written articles here about the scare tactics and con of hysterectomy. Here is list of my nine articles — https: Maybe your wife is unsure she wants her feelings to return because she fears that sex will be a disappointment, not only for herself but maybe for you too. Many women report impaired ability to orgasm or orgasms that are disappointing compared to the ones they had before. I have since resigned myself to this huge loss but my husband and I are seldom intimate which is sad. I was also 49 and married for 26 years when my organs were unnecessarily removed.

I knew that my problems were caused by the loss of my vital organs versus being psychological like so many gyns want us to believe. I went through quite a bit of counseling with various therapists to work through the horrific betrayal by my gynecologist of 20 years. I wish the best for you, your wife and two daughters despite this horrific assault on her body and well-being and your relationship! Those can be found here — https: These links are also helpful although depressing — http: I am a 39 year old woman who had an unnecessary hysterectomy 2 years ago. Actually admitted later that my uterus was perfect, after.

Try emotional connection plus stimuli, research options for mood stabilizers. Keep trying, but be kind. Dear Sir, I to have had a partial hysterectomy. At first i felt fine, b7t weeks into my recovery I became depressed. Afterwards s3veral months and much prayer, I began to feel exci53d about sex again. Thankfully my husband was gentle and loving. He did leave me later for a high school sweetie, but that is his lose, and now he realizes he left too soon. I recommend extensive foreplay, pray, and patience. I know tha5 you are frus t rated, b7t please if you love her, and want to remain with her, and b3 satisfied, pretend that you are looking for 8 ag as in and discover each others bodies all over.

It may tske her lo ger to climax but she will in time get there. I also recommend some toys for added stimulation for you both, andget in the habbit of enjoying man6 wonderful bj,s. Most importantly, do not treat her any different. Help her thru tbis. You can both have a good sex life unless you give up. Sex is better after a hysterectomy!

Once you get passed the associated health problems and lack of stimuli. Try reaching her on an emotional level, its the starting line. And look up options for mood stabilizers and labido enducers. I can ditto many of the comments made. I had a hysterectomy 3 years ago and it has literally ruined my life! I have no desire for sex when before the surgery I loved it and was very active with my husband now I have no desire and intercourse is extremely painful so we have virtually no sex life and it is ruining our relationship.

It has also changed my appearance and not for the good, I struggle with gaining weight which I never did before, it has affected my joints and muscles making it difficult for me to exercise, and this just names a few of the adverse effects having the surgery has had on me. I was told I needed the surgery because my uterus was dropping and I had bladder surgery at the same time. I have tried many things to improve this situation and have found nothing to help. Is there anything that will help my situation? If so, please let me know.

Have you tried to get answers as to why intercourse is painful? If the pain is from vaginal atrophy vaginal estrogen tablet or cream form is the only thing that will heal the tissues. I found I had cervical cancer after having a hysterectomy in June If all left me in tremendous pain and ultimately spent 17 days in the hospital for over two weeks due to extreme pain. Only to spend the next 5 months in bed on serious pain meds which I eventually was weaned off of.

Once finally healed and cancer free, months later, my boyfriend of 12 years as of Sept attempted to have intercourse two separate times in which it was painful for myself which was an obvious turn off to him and unsatisfying to him because it felt like he was hitting a hard, scarred, shortened vagina which was a complete turn off for him. I had used dilators as instructed, but which helped Moe what so ever. I can have a strong orgasm through masturbation, but miss terribly the amazing sex life we once had.

We have not been intimate for 4 years now. Have no idea if he is faithful to me sexually. I am depressed and miserable knowing what our relationship once was. Now, just thoroughly depressed and feeling anxious and alone. I have been on hormone therapy the whole time. I have very little self esteem and I feel my whole body and look is different, not for the better. Not sure where to go from here. Thank you to all the women willing to share your own personal realities. Katrina, like you , I have the same difficulties and I have not found any solution for me but I now am becoming much better at satisfying my husband with other sexual acts, oral, and anal.

While I get very little out of it, he has accepted that we cannot do the things we used to. I do gain weight more easily than before and it is a constant struggle but I am holding my own in that respect. Did you have endometriosis? If so, I sure hope it resolved the pain! Did that one ovary continue working until recently? Are you having any symptoms of hormone deficiency besides lack of sex drive? Hello I had fibroids tumors removed in ! Becuz of ovarian cyst! Jan I had my left ovary removed.

My sex life has change very dryness in my vaginal area! What can I uses to help. It would seem that all three would be effective since they all contain estrogen. Aug 9, I had a total hysterectomy through my vagina everything was removed.

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My bladder was prolapsed and was repaired. Virginia, I felt the same way after my hysterectomy. I hope all goes well. I had a subtotal hysterectomy thirteen years ago when I was It was 6 weeks after my daughters birth and it was basically to save my life.

I was admitted into hospital with severe stomach pains which I had had pretty much continuously since the birth but as there was no bleeding I was just given antibiotics. I was scanned when I was admitted to hospital and it was found that ther was a major internal infection. I had to have a d and c and it was while I was having this that I began to have a major bleed resulting in a subtotal hysterectomy.

Whilst coming round I thought I was dying and was so scared. Needless to say it was a major shock for all of us. I had already had to cope with leaving my premature daughter in special care when I was discharged. I have the most wonderful husband and he has stuck by me. I love him so much but it has changed our relationship. I realise that this experience has altered the person that I am. I get panic attacks if I feel out of control- fortunately not often but it is always there. I am also mega determined at times.

At work I passionately fight for children with problems which is admired by some but I sense seen as a major pain for others. My pre baby need to go up the career ladder has gone and I would be happy I the same job to the end of my career now. It takes forever to orgasm and emotionally this is hard to accept.

I am now 47 and over the last year my skin and weight have become a problem-could I be heading for the menopause? Last year I had problems with my neck and an MRI showed that the discs are thinning. I am now wondering if this is linked to the hysterectomy? Many thanks for listening. Wendy, Thank you for sharing your story.

Many women experience similar changes in their personalities after hysterectomy. Sexual dysfunction including loss of desire is likewise common. So you are not alone in this. And sometimes they fail to make the connection between these changes and their surgeries. This silence is a big reason why there are so many unnecessary hysterectomies and oophorectomies ovary removals. Hysterectomy is associated with impaired ovarian function and an earlier menopause. The ovaries of women with all their parts produce hormones their whole lives. They merely switch from a reproductive role to an endocrine role at menopause with testosterone levels dropping around menopause but then gradually increasing.

Hysterectomized women have been shown to produce lower levels of testosterone than naturally menopausal women although not as low as women without ovaries. This article is helpful — http: Hysterectomy is also associated with changes to the skeletal structure even absent bone loss. When those are severed at hysterectomy, the spine, hips and rib cage are displaced causing a shortened and thickened midsection. As a result, back, hip and neck problems are common over time. I had a partial hysterectomy several years ago.

I am 46 now. I had to wear a catheter for months and have another surgery to repair the whole. I now have experienced a loss in my sex drive and my orgasms are smaller and less often, Not to mention the bladder issues. We need more media exposure of the harms of hysterectomy since these surgeries as well as ovary removals are rarely necessary and are marketed as benign. They provide large profits for the medical industry at the expense of our health.

I am 64 and had a full hysterectomy one year ago. After 10yrs of tests and 6 Drs all telling me I had a fibroid which was now causing vaginal prolapse. The surgery was supposed to remove the fibroid and fix the prolapse. The surgeon who did the surgery agreed to remove the fibroid but when he went in there was no fibroid but tumors on my ovaries and uterus and he did the hysterectomy. My concern is twofold. I have suffered through all the problems as everyone else listed here. I now feel like and old woman. I want to sleep more then move, I have little strength and our sex life is now that of senior citizens due to my loss of sensation.

Before I was multi-orgasmic, now I can barely have one, my clitoris suffers from erectile dysfunction, and the lack of hormones has caused my taste and odor to change. Unfortunately the men and insurance companies form these protocols. We as a country are up in arms about female circumcision and genital mutilation by third world countries but do not recognize that these unnecessary hysterectomies are only different because they are done in a hospital instead of a village.

For those women contemplating a hysterectomy but do not have a cancer issue, research alternative and natural treatment because your life will change, especially if removing your ovaries. Your body needs these hormones and long term use of HRT will eventually lead to heart disease and cancer. I suspect the doctors knew full well or were at least nearly positive that you did not have cancer before you went into that operating room. Cancer fear tactics are all too common because they know it works to sell these surgeries.

As is done with other tumors, they should remove the tumors and leave the organs intact. You are proof that the ovaries produce hormones long past menopause, our whole lives as a matter of fact. I recall a woman who had a hysterectomy at age 72 and said she now feels dead.

These websites are good resources for understanding the medically proven harm of ovary removal: Did your consent form say that pelvic floor repairs would be done? How archaic and barbaric is that?! Jealousy may partially explain that. Health care is all about the money. Ditto for complaints to insurance companies.

Mine, Cigna, refused to tell me what my doctor submitted for authorization for hysterectomy. And how is it that these surgeons get away with removing ovaries if they feel like it? How is this ok?? Here is some information along with the contact form — https: There are two big organizations that have Patient Safety projects and want harmed patients to share their stories.

ProPublica is doing a hysterectomy survey via this link: This is another way to report your patient harm to ProPublica — https: You can report your harm here — http: I reported my over-treatment and harm in two categories, Doctor Accountability and Medical Errors even though my organs were intentionally removed. Please continue to speak out so we can stop these unwarranted surgeries. I wish you the best in moving forward! When completing those patient harm forms, please emphasize how you were scammed.

And many mistakenly think our ovaries shut down at menopause or shortly thereafter hence no harm in removing them in someone your age. He can be reached at Marshall.

Long-Term Outcomes of the Total or Supracervical Hysterectomy (TOSH) Trial

A woman with whom I connected after her unnecessary hysterectomy 2 years ago was also scammed by gynecologists at a major New York City hospital. She was referred to an oncologist to instill fear for fibroids. It ends up her fibroids were tiny and not the cause of her problems. And of course there was no cancer!