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“I’m in my 20s and have had a hysterectomy. How can I feel like a woman at the prime of my life, when I’m now fearful of intimate relationships and the onset of menopause?”

Cancer nurse Beth says...

A hysterectomy shortens the vagina and may cause numbness in the genital area. This can affect a woman’s sex life. In some cases, cancer causes pain or bleeding with vaginal sex. A hysterectomy can help stop those symptoms, and a woman’s sex life may improve after the surgery. The vagina might be shorter after surgery, and it’s important for the vagina to have moisture to allow the tissues to stretch and move. The psychological aftermath of having had cancer treatment can have an equally negative effect as the physical effects of treatment. How easily you can now adapt to life as it is now will depend somewhat on how you were before, including how comfortable you were with your body, your relationships etc. Getting the right support from your friends and family is also very significant and ultimately you need to learn to be comfortable and confident with the new you.

Sex toy expert Renee says...

The womb does not maketh the woman. You are still a woman at the prime of your life. Intimacy and sex are still possible – in fact, you have years and years of pleasure ahead of you! But – it sounds as if you are not yet ready, and that is perfectly fine. Give yourself time, as much as you need. There is no timescale to adhere to. HRT isn’t suitable for everyone, but we recommend discussing it with your health practitioner. If it’s appropriate in your case, it could be immensely helpful in managing the symptoms of surgical menopause.