Psychosexual Adaptation and Quality of Life After Hysterectomy

In: Sexuality and Disability · 2009 · vol. 28(1) , pp. 3–13 · doi:10.1007/s11195-009-9143-y · W2055997551
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This review discusses the impact of hysterectomy on women's psychosexual adaptation and quality of life, noting reported sexual problems and the lack of consensus on whether hysterectomy causes sexual dysfunction.

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This paper discusses psychosexual adaptation and quality of life after hysterectomy, focusing on how hysterectomy performed for abnormal bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, and symptomatic myomas may improve general health-related quality of life while also raising concerns about unnecessary procedures and subsequent sexual/psychosexual problems. It reviews reported post-hysterectomy sexual dysfunctions such as dyspareunia (including effects like vaginal shrinkage and decreased lubrication), low libido, and difficulty experiencing orgasm, noting that prevalence varies across studies due to methodological differences and that there is no consensus on whether hysterectomy causes sexual dysfunction. The main caveat highlighted is the lack of agreement across the literature and the influence of methodological factors on measured outcomes. Relevance to endometriosis: hysterectomy is discussed in the context of chronic pelvic pain as an indication and as a potential outcome of pelvic surgery, though the paper does not specifically address endometriosis or adenomyosis.

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Abstract

Psychosexual adaptation and quality of life after hysterectomy has been a subject of concern to women and gynecologists. By performing a hysterectomy, it is expected to treat abnormal bleeding, chronic pelvic pain and symptomatic myomas, and to improve health related general quality of life (QoL). Most controversy arises from the assertion that many hysterectomies are performed unnecessarily, although it has minor positive effects, the problems encountered after hysterectomy negatively affect QoL and psychosexual health problems may develop. The reported sexual problems after hysterectomy include dyspareunia related to vaginal shrinkage and decreased lubrication, low libido, and not experiencing orgasm. Studies show that the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among women who have undergone hysterectomy procedure varies depending on methodological factors. No consensus exists on whether hysterectomy causes sexual dysfunction. The aim of this study is to draw attention to the impact of hysterectomy on women’s health and to discuss the related factors affecting psychosexual adaptation. Similar content being viewed by others

References

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