Função e satisfação sexual após histerectomia versus histerectomia-anexectomia bilateral em mulheres pré-menopáusicas Sexual function and satisfaction after hysterectomy-only versus hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in premenopausal women Artigo original/original Article

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare sexual function and satisfaction among premenopausal women who underwent hysterectomy-only versus those who underwent hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy. Material and Methods: An anonymous questionnaire on sexual function was distributed to premenopausal women who, in 2007, had been submitted in our institution to total hysterectomy by abdominal approach, with or without bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy, for benign gynaecologic conditions. Responses were compared between both groups. Results: Complete replies were received from 111 patients. Of these, 20 were excluded (six because they were sexually inactive, ive because they had r eceived preoperative sexual counselling, and nine because they had been diagnosed with preoperative psychological disease). The remaining 91 consti tuted our study group: 40 were submitted to hystere ctomy-only and 51 had undergone concomitant prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy. Mean age at time of surgery was higher in the bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy group (42.1 vs 47.7, p<0.001) and at 6-months of follow up, more women in this group had initiated hormonal replacement therapy (7.5% vs 35.3%, p=0.002). No statistically sig niicant differences were found between the two grou ps regarding the time taken to re-initiate sexual activity, the frequency of sexual intercourse, the rate of sexual dysfunctions appearing de novo and the degree of satisfaction with sexual life and wit h the surgery. The majority of women in both groups reported no change in frequency of sexual activity and sexual satisfaction before and after surgery. Conclusions: Prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy at elective hysterectomy for benign disease in premenopausal women does not appear to affect patients’ sexual function and satisfaction.