Hysterectomy and Sexual Function

In the United States every thirty seconds a woman receives a hysterectomy. 75% of these women were cauterized at this time. In the past year there have been 649,000 hysterectomies performed. Only two percent of these surgeries, some doctors feel that more than 90% of these surgeries could have been avoided and illnesses treated with less radical procedures. A radical hysterectomy is referred to as a "total pelvic clean-out".

A hysterectomy is a cervical procedure which removes the uterus. Other parts may also be excised including the ovaries, uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes. When a woman receives a hysterectomy, sexual function is changed in a way that cannot be reversed.

In the early 1500's the first hysterectomy was performed. It was often used to avoid promiscuity and often leads to sexual dysfunction. A hysterectomy may cause a loss of sensation in the vagina to the nipples!

Dr. Helen O'Connell has been a path finder in the clitoris. Its sole function to give woman sexual pleasure is the myth that she is trying to disprove. She decided to investigate cadavers and has found the clitoris to be more than just a sex organ. There is erectile tissue, and is similar to the structure and function of the penis. Although there is specific similarities - surgeries within males are more careful to preserve sexual function - than surgeries in women! These body parts have an important duty in sexual function, and this surgical solution is often not the answer.

We are entering into a time when we are learning more and more about sexuality. The sexuality of a woman is becoming just as important as the sexuality within a man. Women receiving hysterectomies are having this become jeopardized.

A hysterectomy is the second most overused and unnecessary procedure that is performed in the United States. Over a third of all North American women would have had a hysterectomy in their lifetimes. Hysterectomy is deemed as having no effects, are the sexual affects not being taken into account?