Sexual functioning and psychological well-being after uterine artery embolization in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of uterine artery embolization (UAE) on psychological and sexual well-being 3 months after treatment.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Large teaching hospital in Tilburg, the Netherlands.


METHODS
141 Premenopausal women with symptomatic uterine fibroids.


METHODS
UAE for symptomatic fibroids.


METHODS
Changes in scores on a questionnaire concerning sexual well-being (ranging from 0 to 32, a higher score indicating better functioning) and a questionnaire concerning psychological well-being (SCL-90, ranging from 0 to 360, a higher score indicating more emotional and somatic concerns).


RESULTS
The total score for sexual functioning showed a statistically significant increase from 20.3 to 22.7, 3 months after UAE, indicating that sexual functioning improved. Thirty-four percent and 37% of women reported an increase in sexual activity and desire. The percentage of women reporting sexual problems of lubrication, orgasm, or pain decreased 7%, 36%, and 14%, respectively. The total SCL-90 score showed a statistically significant decrease from 133 to 116, 3 months after UAE, indicating a decrease in emotional and somatic concerns.


CONCLUSIONS
Sexual and psychological well-being improved significantly 3 months after UAE in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids. Sixty-eight percent had an increase in the total score for sexual functioning. Problems with sexual functioning were statistically significantly decreased.
Voogt
Marianne J
MJ
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Elisabeth Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
De Vries
Jolanda
J
Fonteijn
Willem
W
Lohle
Paul N M
PN
Boekkooi
Peter F
PF
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D019529:Sexuality; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055357:Uterine Artery Embolization / Q000523:psychology*; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D055815:Young Adult