The impact of hysterectomy on sexual life of women

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the impact of hysterectomy on frequency and quality of sexual life. Design: Questionnaire results from four groups were compared: 155 women’s wellness patients (132 intact; 23 posthysterectomy), 37 patients with myomata uteri, and recently published (JAMA) reference data about preoperative and postoperative hysterectomy patients. Results: 1) Women scheduled for hysterectomy showed the lowest incidence of regular sexual activity (31%) and the lowest incidence of frequent orgasms during coitus (46%) compared with all other groups. 2) The table shows that the impact of clitoral stimulation on sexual arousal and orgasm was not compromised by hysterectomy, whereas a significant reduction in vaginal sensation and in deep (cervical) sources of arousal and orgasm is reported. Frequent Contribution to Orgasm by Stimulation at Specified Genital Sites Clitoral Vaginal Cervical Intact patients 82% 39% 17% Myomata patients 74% 48% 33% Posthysterectomy patients 86% 19% 10% Conclusions: 1) Sexual life is suppressed in women scheduled for hysterectomy. The current practice of using sex life just before surgery as a baseline should be avoided. 2) Hysterectomy impaired genital sensations vaginally and at the cervical region. 3) Myomata uteri were associated with enhanced genital sensations both vaginally and cervically.