You describe cramps, not unlike menstrual cramps, after masturbation. Orgasm includes contraction of pelvic floor muscles, and it sounds like you're experiencing some spasms of those muscles. Radical hysterectomies often require tissue removal or dissection surrounding the uterus and ovaries. It's likely your spasms are caused within nerves and muscles that are still healing.
I suspect this will improve with continued healing, but using an anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen may help relieve the pain. If, three months or so after surgery, when most healing has taken place, the spasms and pain persist, a consultation with a pelvic floor physical therapist may be helpful. They can assess the muscles and nerves of the pelvic floor and often remedy persistent pain.
Continue that healing work! I'm hopeful the pain will resolve itself.
Dr. Barb DePree, M.D., has been a gynecologist and women’s health provider for almost 30 years and a menopause care specialist for the past ten.
41 comments
Linda, I can’t explain the connection between your hysterectomy and now the presence of pain or cramping. It might be post operative adhesions, but a thorough exam should be done to assess for any conditions that may cause this.
It has been one year, since complete hysterectomy a cancerous spot was found 7 percent into the wall of uterus. Now a year later why am i having pain/cramps.
Vicki, I am so sorry this is your journey. I do not have any further insights for your current condition and hope that you have success with your neurosurgeon. Women advocating for women is an important avenue for advancement in our healthcare. Thank you for using your voice.
Hi Dr Barb
Im Vicki from post above. I have an update have seen several drs. I spent 22 days in hospital after hysterectomy had another surgery my ovary adhered to my cuff was removed very painful. This was never told to me could happen. Im the post above its now 9 months post hysterectomy. Im now under care a of neurosurgeon who specializes in pelvic pain. What I have endured after this surgery has been nothing short of a nightmare. I keep going and going. I have nerve and muscle damage from da vinci robotic that would bring you to your knees. Misdiagnosed with pfd. Therapy only agitated the nerve. That only made me worse.
My obgyn promised i would feel better post adenomyosis and Hysterectomy and Im suffering horribly. Im hopeful this neurosurgeon will find cause because drs are boggled. All i know is I walked in with painful periods walked out disabled by pain. Im not alone. There are millions like me. HERS foundation.
Vicki, these symptoms are cause for concern. Please visit your provider to address them.