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Sex After a Hysterectomy: Timeline, Tips, and What to Expect

If you need to have a hysterectomy, you may be concerned about how the surgery could affect your sex life. With these tips, we want to reassure you that you can still have sex and orgasms after surgery.

middle-aged couple smiling and holding hands while sitting outside under trees
Updated March 18, 2026

By Elizabeth Kusturiss, MSN, CRNP, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, Virtua Sexual Wellness and Pelvic Health 

If you need to have a hysterectomy, you may be concerned about how the surgery could affect your libido and sex life. It’s understandable to be worried, and we want to reassure you that you can have a happy, healthy sex life after surgery.

Here are the most common questions patients have about sex after a hysterectomy—you may be pleasantly surprised by the answers.

How long do I have to wait after a hysterectomy to have sex?

It takes 6 to 8 weeks to fully heal after surgery, and you may experience some discomfort during your recovery. Because of that, you might not feel like having sex, or you may welcome the downtime.

However, if you have a partner, it's important to continue being intimate. Beyond sex, intimacy includes holding hands, cuddling, kissing, holding each other, and communicating, which are all essential to maintaining closeness.

How will a hysterectomy affect my sex life going forward?

The uterus is always removed during a hysterectomy. But, depending on the reason for the surgery, the ovaries, cervix, and/or the supporting tissue may also need to be removed. Typically, the ovaries are only removed when necessary, such as when cancerous cells are found.

Since the ovaries produce estrogen and testosterone, their removal can lead to "surgical menopause," which often causes an abrupt decrease in these hormones. This can result in vaginal dryness.

Will I still be able to have an orgasm after a hysterectomy?

Yes, you can still experience orgasms after surgery. Up to 85% of women orgasm from clitoral stimulation, which isn’t usually directly affected by a hysterectomy. However, if your ovaries are removed, this can reduce blood flow to your genitals and decrease the size of your clitoris. As a result, reaching orgasm may take longer and feel less intense.

For people who rely on cervical stimulation for orgasm, removing the cervix during a hysterectomy could make orgasms more difficult or even impossible. It’s important to discuss sexual function with your surgeon before surgery. In some cases, the hysterectomy can be performed while leaving the cervix intact to help preserve sexual function.

Having a hysterectomy doesn’t have to mean the end of an enjoyable sex life. Talk to your GYN provider about your concerns and options for symptom relief.

Connect with sexual health experts at Virtua

The experts at Virtua Sexual Wellness and Pelvic Health provide specialized physical and emotional care for women experiencing pelvic discomfort or concerns related to sexual function.

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