Hysterectomy and sexual wellbeing: prospective observational study of vaginal hysterectomy, subtotal abdominal hysterectomy, and total abdominal hysterectomy

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of vaginal hysterectomy, subtotal abdominal hysterectomy, and total abdominal hysterectomy on sexual wellbeing. DESIGN: Prospective observational study over six months. SETTING: 13 teaching and non-teaching hospitals in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: 413 women who underwent hysterectomy for benign disease other than symptomatic prolapse of the uterus and endometriosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Reported sexual pleasure, sexual activity, and bothersome sexual problems. RESULTS: Sexual pleasure significantly improved in all patients, independent of the type of hysterectomy. The prevalence of one or more bothersome sexual problems six months after vaginal hysterectomy, subtotal abdominal hysterectomy, and total abdominal hysterectomy was 43% (38/89), 41% (31/76), and 39% (57/145), respectively (chi2 test, P = 0.88). CONCLUSION: Sexual pleasure improves after vaginal hysterectomy, subtotal abdominal hysterectomy, and total abdominal hysterectomy. The persistence and development of bothersome problems during sexual activity were similar for all three techniques.