This may seem silly but I had to ask. I understood that when a woman had an orgasm, her uterus contracted. Having had a vaginal hysterectomy, I would like to know, what should I expect when I resume sexual relations? Also, do sperm still go through my cervix and if they do, where do they go?

--Rhonda

While it is true that the uterine muscle contracts during orgasm, not all women notice it; if you did, and you found it pleasurable, than your orgasms will be different now that you have had a hysterectomy. Your ability to have an orgasm will not diminish, nor will any other of the pleasant sensations. Many women actually find their sexual experiences to be better after a hysterectomy because they are no longer bothered by pain or bleeding or whatever else led to the hysterectomy in the first place.

Be sure not to resume sexual relations until your doctor has given you the okay. After a hysterectomy, the first time or two you have intercourse may be uncomfortable as swelling may not be gone completely -- similar to after having a baby. After that, you should have no problems whatsoever. As for the sperm, they don't go anywhere; the top of the vagina closes and the sperm remain in the vagina.