Intended for healthcare professionals

Paper

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

BMJ 2003; 327 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.327.7418.774 (Published 02 October 2003) Cite this as: BMJ 2003;327:774
  1. Jan-Paul W R Roovers (j_proovers{at}hotmail.com), registrar1,
  2. Johanna G van der Bom, assistant professor of epidemiology2,
  3. C Huub van der Vaart, consultant1,
  4. A Peter M Heintz, professor of gynaecology1
  1. 1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, Netherlands
  2. 2 Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Netherlands
  1. Correspondence to: J-P Roovers
  • Accepted 18 July 2003

Abstract

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 (χ2 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.

Footnotes

  • Embedded Image Members of the study group and selected questions from the questionnaire appear on bmj.com

  • Contributors All authors conceived and designed the study, drafted the manuscript, and approved the final manuscript. JPWRR and JGvdB analysed and interpreted the data. CHvdV interpreted the data. APMH will act as guarantor for the paper.

  • Funding None.

  • Competing interests None declared.

  • Ethical approval This study was approved by all local ethical committees.

  • Accepted 18 July 2003
View Full Text