Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2004 May;190(5):1416-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2004.01.070.

Sexual functioning and patient expectations of sexual functioning after hysterectomy.

American journal of obstetrics and gynecology

Katherine G Dragisic, Magdy P Milad

PMID: 15167854 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2004.01.070

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess sexual functioning and patient expectations of sexual functioning after hysterectomy.

STUDY DESIGN: Seventy-five patients who had undergone hysterectomy at an urban academic medical center were surveyed about sexual function at the time of hysterectomy and after hysterectomy. Chi-squared tests compared responses for discrete outcomes.

RESULT: Most patients expected no change in sexual desire or orgasm quality. Hysterectomy had no effect on the frequency of sexual activity or on orgasmic response. Postoperatively, patients were less likely to report pain with intercourse (relative risk, 5.34; 95% CI, 2.2-12.95; P =.00002): 49.3% of patients had discussed sexual functioning after hysterectomy with their physicians, and 64.8% of patients recalled initiating the discussion.

CONCLUSION: Most patients expected and experienced no change in sexual desire, orgasm frequency, or orgasm intensity. Hysterectomy appears to result in decreased pain with sexual relations.

MeSH terms

• Adult
• Body Image
• Confidence Intervals
• Data Collection
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Hysterectomy / adverse effects
• Hysterectomy / methods
• Libido / physiology
• Middle Aged
• Orgasm / physiology
• Personal Satisfaction
• Postoperative Period
• Preoperative Care
• Probability
• Self Concept
• Sexual Behavior
• Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / epidemiology
• Surveys and Questionnaires

Publication Types

• Journal Article
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't