Sexual Functioning Following Elective Hysterectomy: The Role of Surgical and Psychosocial Variables

Zoë D Peterson, Jeffrey M Rothenberg, Susan Bilbrey, Julia R Heiman
Journal of sex research · 2009 · vol. 47(6) , pp. 513–527 · doi:10.1080/00224490903151366 · PMID:19705325 · W2022952625
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⚙ AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-08 ⓘ

This study found that most women experience improved sexual functioning after elective hysterectomy, with specific surgical approaches and indications impacting outcomes, and psychosocial factors playing a significant role.

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Abstract

In this article, two studies were conducted to investigate the surgical and psychosocial correlates of women's post-hysterectomy sexual functioning. In Study 1, sexual functioning was measured in an online convenience sample of 65 women who had undergone elective hysterectomy. Results suggested that most women experienced improved sexual functioning after their hysterectomy. Women who underwent hysterectomy to treat endometriosis reported less improvement in sexual functioning as compared to women who had hysterectomies for other indications, and women who had abdominal hysterectomies reported less improvement in sexual functioning as compared to women who had vaginal hysterectomies. Sexual functioning post-hysterectomy was associated with psychosocial variables, particularly body esteem and relationship quality. In Study 2, sexual functioning was investigated at two time points three to five months apart in a sample of 14 women who reported developing sexual problems following their elective hysterectomies. Results suggested that, among women suffering from post-hysterectomy sexual dysfunction, sexual pain and difficulty with orgasm increased over time.

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Condition tags

endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Hysterectomy Hysterectomy Sexual Behavior Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological Adult Aged Aged, 80 and over Analysis of Variance Female Humans Hysterectomy Indiana Internet Middle Aged Personal Satisfaction Self Concept Sexual Behavior Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological

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References (43)

Cited by (6)

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