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Why Is Intercourse Uncomfortable After Hysterectomy?
Question: I am a 55 year old woman. I had a hysterectomy 9 years ago for benign fibroids. Since the hysterectomy, intercourse has been very uncomfortable. Extremely dry. In the past year or more (I honestly can't remember how long it's been), I started using a lubricant, which makes it much more enjoyable. However, as soon as my husband releases, the semen stings. Also, more times than not, I get a very, very, tiny dot or two of blood. Could both of these symptoms be just irritation??
or could the tiny amount of blood after intercourse be a more serious sign of vaginal cancer?
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for the query,
The discomfort, dryness in the vagina and the specks of blood seen, most probably could be due to Atrophic Vaginitis.
Atrophic vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina due to thinning tissue and decreased lubrication. Atrophic vaginitis is caused by a decrease in estrogen which is normal occurance above the age of 50 years ( menopausal aged women).
Atrophic vaginitis also increases risk of vaginal infections caused by bacteria or fungi (yeast) and cause open sores or cracks in the vaginal wall.
Estrogen is very important in keeping the tissues of the vagina lubricated and healthy. Normally, the lining of the vagina makes a clear, lubricating fluid. This fluid helps decrease vaginal irritation.Thinning or shrinking of the vaginal tissue causes dryness and inflammation.
This inflammation is what you feel as stinging during intercourse.
Treatment of this condition is with prescription estrogen supplements (Estrace, Premarin, etc.). It is available as a cream, tablet, suppository, or ring, all of which are placed directly into the vagina. These medicines deliver estrogen directly to the vaginal tissues and help in healing and upkeeping of the tissues.
The chances of you having cancer (Cervical or vaginal) - can be ruled out if your previous or recent Pap smears are normal. If this has not been done so far, I would suggest you to get one now.
You might consult your OB-GYN doctor for a examination and prescription of the above medications.
I hope this helps.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Regards.
Dr Anvekar.
Thanks for the query,
The discomfort, dryness in the vagina and the specks of blood seen, most probably could be due to Atrophic Vaginitis.
Atrophic vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina due to thinning tissue and decreased lubrication. Atrophic vaginitis is caused by a decrease in estrogen which is normal occurance above the age of 50 years ( menopausal aged women).
Atrophic vaginitis also increases risk of vaginal infections caused by bacteria or fungi (yeast) and cause open sores or cracks in the vaginal wall.
Estrogen is very important in keeping the tissues of the vagina lubricated and healthy. Normally, the lining of the vagina makes a clear, lubricating fluid. This fluid helps decrease vaginal irritation.Thinning or shrinking of the vaginal tissue causes dryness and inflammation.
This inflammation is what you feel as stinging during intercourse.
Treatment of this condition is with prescription estrogen supplements (Estrace, Premarin, etc.). It is available as a cream, tablet, suppository, or ring, all of which are placed directly into the vagina. These medicines deliver estrogen directly to the vaginal tissues and help in healing and upkeeping of the tissues.
The chances of you having cancer (Cervical or vaginal) - can be ruled out if your previous or recent Pap smears are normal. If this has not been done so far, I would suggest you to get one now.
You might consult your OB-GYN doctor for a examination and prescription of the above medications.
I hope this helps.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Regards.
Dr Anvekar.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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