Sexual outcomes and satisfaction with hysterectomy: influence of patient education.
BACKGROUND
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.


OBJECTIVE
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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Bradford
Andrea
A
Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA. Electronic address: a.bradford@mail.utexas.edu.
Meston
Cindy
C
Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
D000328:Adult; D001143:Arousal; D003075:Coitus / Q000523:psychology*; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology*; D007989:Libido; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000523:psychology; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016387:Women's Health