Do uterine fibroids affect sexual desire?

Uterine fibroids themselves rarely interfere with the physiological process of sexual excitement, but due to submucosal uterine fibroids, they often cause menorrhagia, irregular menstruation, and prolonged menstruation. If necrosis, ulcers, or infection occur, irregular bleeding will have an odor, which will affect sexual activity. Excessive bleeding may cause secondary anemia and physical weakness, which may indirectly affect the duration of sexual excitement.

In addition, the impact of uterine fibroids on sexual desire is mainly manifested in the following four aspects:

1. Patients with uterine fibroids suffer from severe anemia due to excessive menstruation and prolonged menstruation. Patients experience anemia symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue, and their sexual desire will also decrease.

2. If patients with uterine fibroids use hormone treatment, such as progesterone, testosterone propionate, and methyltestosterone, it can cause decreased libido; and norethindrone has an androgen-like effect, which also causes decreased libido.

3. Among patients with uterine fibroids, 25% to 30% will be unable to conceive. However, after the fibroids are removed, those who have been infertile for many years can often get the fruit of their long-cherished love. The couples are overjoyed and their sexual desire will suddenly increase.

4. Patients with uterine fibroids who undergo hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy may experience decreased sexual desire after surgery. This is mainly due to the decrease in estrogen after oophorectomy and the troubles of menopausal syndrome.