Hysterectomy's psychosexual effects in Turkish women

Abstract

Although many current studies have been conducted about sexual functioning after hysterectomy, the number of studies evaluating both sexual functioning and psychological wellness together is very limited. This study was planned for the purpose of investigating hysterectomy's psychosexual effects. Ninety-three women were interviewed by the researcher face-to-face. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were administered 1-3 days before and repeated 3 months after the hysterectomy. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were done to explore women's attitudes about sexuality. In the third month after hysterectomy 49.5% of the women had begun to have sexual intercourse again, 34.3% of those were determined to have a decrease in sexual functions. It was also found that level of depression was less in the postoperative period compared to the preoperative period. Three months after hysterectomy, sexual functioning had significantly decreased. A clear resolution in symptoms of depression was seen after hysterectomy. It was determined that sexual functioning after hysterectomy was affected by advanced age, a women's attitude about sexuality, and the type of hysterectomy. In addition, sexual functioning was negatively affected by symptoms of depression.