[Regional survey on the short-term psychic and sexual after-effects of hysterectomy]

Hysterectomy is one of the most common operations done throughout the world. Patients concerns about sexual functioning after hysterectomy is great. Objective - We wanted to evaluate through a local investigation based on a questionnary the psychosexual impact of this operation and to compare our data to those available in the literature. Patients and methods - 534 patients operated between of 01.01.1997 and 31.12.1997 for a benign uterine pathology (prolapse excluded) were included. Questions were about sexual and psychological functioning after hysterectomy. The main outcome measures were changes in the sexual life sexual desire orgasm dyspareunia frequency of sexual relations. Abdominal and vaginal surgical approaches were compared for some items when possible. Results - After the operation 83.3 % of the patients felt better 30.4 % of the patients mentioned changes in their sexual life 32 % of low libido rates was noticed (and there was a significant difference between abdominal and vaginal surgical approaches) 27.6 % of the patients had less frequent orgasm and only 8.8 % experienced orgasm more frequently 15 % suffer from dyspareunia and 15 % were more engaged in sexual intercourse. Conclusion - Psychosexual impact of hysterectomy is limited and is not more frequent when vaginal surgery is performed but pre- and post-operative prevention can be useful. (authors)