Andrea Bradford1, Cindy Meston2. 1. Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA. Electronic address: a.bradford@mail.utexas.edu. 2. Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Many women experience improved sexual function after hysterectomy. However, a sizeable minority of women report worsened sexual function after the surgery, and concerns about the effect of surgery on sexual function are common among women planning to undergo hysterectomy. AIM: The present study examined the role of education about the potential sexual consequences of hysterectomy in predicting self-reported outcomes and satisfaction with the procedure. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 204 women who had undergone simple hysterectomy in the preceding 3-12 months. Participants volunteered in response to a Web-based advertisement. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants indicated their current sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and reported positive and negative sexual outcomes experienced after hysterectomy using a checklist. Participants also completed questionnaire items regarding satisfaction with hysterectomy and education from their physicians about sexual risks and benefits prior to surgery. RESULTS: Current sexual function scores were related to self-reports of positive and negative sexual outcomes following hysterectomy and overall satisfaction with hysterectomy. Education from a physician about possible adverse sexual outcomes was largely unrelated to self-reports of having experienced those outcomes. However, education about possible negative sexual outcomes predicted overall satisfaction with hysterectomy when controlling for self-reports of positive and negative sexual outcomes. CONCLUSION: Education about potential negative sexual outcomes after surgery may enhance satisfaction with hysterectomy, independent of whether negative sexual outcomes were experienced. Including a discussion of potential sexual changes after surgery may enhance the benefits of presurgical counseling prior to hysterectomy.
INTRODUCTION: Many women experience improved sexual function after hysterectomy. However, a sizeable minority of women report worsened sexual function after the surgery, and concerns about the effect of surgery on sexual function are common among women planning to undergo hysterectomy. AIM: The present study examined the role of education about the potential sexual consequences of hysterectomy in predicting self-reported outcomes and satisfaction with the procedure. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 204 women who had undergone simple hysterectomy in the preceding 3-12 months. Participants volunteered in response to a Web-based advertisement. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants indicated their current sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and reported positive and negative sexual outcomes experienced after hysterectomy using a checklist. Participants also completed questionnaire items regarding satisfaction with hysterectomy and education from their physicians about sexual risks and benefits prior to surgery. RESULTS: Current sexual function scores were related to self-reports of positive and negative sexual outcomes following hysterectomy and overall satisfaction with hysterectomy. Education from a physician about possible adverse sexual outcomes was largely unrelated to self-reports of having experienced those outcomes. However, education about possible negative sexual outcomes predicted overall satisfaction with hysterectomy when controlling for self-reports of positive and negative sexual outcomes. CONCLUSION: Education about potential negative sexual outcomes after surgery may enhance satisfaction with hysterectomy, independent of whether negative sexual outcomes were experienced. Including a discussion of potential sexual changes after surgery may enhance the benefits of presurgical counseling prior to hysterectomy.
Authors: Nancy L Keating; Diane C Green; Audiey C Kao; Julie A Gazmararian; Vivian Y Wu; Paul D Cleary Journal: J Gen Intern Med Date: 2002-01 Impact factor: 5.128
Authors: Miles Murphy; Cedric Olivera; Thomas Wheeler; Elizabeth Casiano; Nazema Siddiqui; Rajiv Gala; Tondalaya Gamble; Ethan M Balk; Vivian W Sung Journal: Int Urogynecol J Date: 2012-08-08 Impact factor: 2.894