Assessment of sexuality after hysterectomy using the Female Sexual Function Index

Abstract

The present study aimed at assessing sexuality after hysterectomy using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). A telephone survey was conducted among women 1 year after a hysterectomy for benign cause. The FSFI and a general questionnaire containing personal and partner sociodemographic data were applied. A total of 100 sexually active women participated. Bilateral oophorectomy was performed among 41%. Upon survey, 63% were on hormone therapy (HT) and 2% on psychotropic drugs. Regarding the partner (n = 100), 32% abused alcohol; 11% had erectile dysfunction; 67% premature ejaculation and 11% were unfaithful. Total FSFI score was 19.4 ± 3.6 (median 19.8) and for the domains: 3.2 ± 0.9 (desire); 3.2 ± 0.9 (arousal); 3.1 ± 0.6 (lubrication); 3.1 ± 0.7 (orgasm); 3.5 ± 1.1 (satisfaction) and 3.2 ± 1.2 (pain/dyspareunia). All women displayed sexual dysfunction (total FSFI score ≤ 26.55). A total of 53% presented FSFI scores equal to or below the calculated median for the series. Logistic regression determined that among women who had had a hysterectomy, male premature ejaculation was related to an overall poorer female sexual function (lower total FSFI scorings), whereas sometime oral contraceptive use decreased this risk. Age (female or male) and male sexual dysfunction were factors related to lower individual FSFI domain scores.