Hysterectomy Forum - What causes atrophy of the genitals? DSP?

Womens Health > Hysterectomy Forum > What causes atrophy of the genitals? DSP?

Q: What causes atrophy of the genitals? DSP?

asked by: DoctorQuestion on March 20th, 2007

I have noticed that over the past couple of years (maybe since the hysterectomy, but as my husband and I don't have a particularly 'active' sex life due to the DSP, I don;t really know when it started). that my clitoris as shrunk in size so much that it is now non-existent. Previously, it was 'normal' - (I think?), I would say around maybe pea size, esp when aroused but now even during arousal it can't be felt. Also, one of the lips of my labia looks as if it's been cut off. Previously, it hung down 'normally' and both were roughly the same size, now one looks a small stump... Could you please give me an idea of what's happening as this is really bothering me - I feel deformed!

I had the hysterectomy back in 2005 to try to level out the hormonal pain in realtion to the DSP. I had everything removed (oopherectomy etc) and I've been on Elleste Solo 2mg ever since.

Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated as any examination is agony due to my DSP and I'm extremely embarassed.

Replies(1)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on March 26th, 2007

Hysterectomy Answer A2515

Diastasis of the Symphysis Pubis (DSP) can cause severe pain in the hips, groin and lower abdomen that can radiate down the inner thighs. Pain is increased by walking or through weight bearing activities, particularly lifting one leg (for ex. going upstairs), movement in bed etc. Sexual activities can be also painful during DSP.
It doesn't seem that your uterus and ovaries were removed to treat DSP. DSP is treated with painkillers, physical therapy and surgery (plating the symphysis). Premature lack of estrogen hormones can cause atrophy of the external genitals (clitoris, labia…). You can continue taking the estrogen supplement (Elleste Solo) as prescribed.

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