title: Risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and sexual health: a qualitative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the impact of risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (RRBSO) on sexual function in BRCA gene mutation carriers, compared with the effect on women undergoing BSO (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy) for benign indications from a qualitative perspective.
  
  
  METHODS
  Our study included 25 women who had undergone either a RRBSO because of BRCA carrier status or a BSO for a benign gynaecologic indication. Women were invited to participate if they were at least six months post-BSO. They took part in an individual, private interview during which they were asked open-ended questions about their sexual health in the context of undergoing BSO. They also completed self-report measures of sexual response, sexual distress, sexual self-image, and mood.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Using content analysis of interviews, saturation in themes was reached after 15 interviews and four main themes were identified: (1) preoperative knowledge of sexual side effects, (2) preoperative drive to educate oneself on BSO side effects, (3) partner support, and (4) treatment for sexual side effects. Preoperative awareness of post-BSO sexual side effects was highly correlated with patient satisfaction and inversely correlated with postoperative sexual distress. A majority of participants reported that they did not discuss post-BSO sexual functioning with their physicians, and had to seek out information independently. Satisfaction with RRBSO remained high regardless of whether or not participants reported post-BSO sexual distress. Self-report questionnaires did not reveal any differences between the two groups on measures of sexual function.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provided a nuanced view of sexual health in women following RRBSO that was not captured by self-report questionnaires. Women with preoperative knowledge of post-BSO sexual side effects report being more prepared for surgery, and experience less sexual distress following their BSO.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC.
authors.forename: Lori A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Brotto
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC.
authors.forename: Nadia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Branco
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC.
authors.forename: Cara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dunkley
authors.affiliation: Hereditary Cancer Program, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver BC.
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McCullum
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC.
authors.forename: Jessica N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: McAlpine
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D019398:Genes, BRCA1; D024522:Genes, BRCA2; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000235:genetics / Q000601:surgery; D006579:Heterozygote; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009154:Mutation; D010052:Ovariectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D058994:Salpingectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*