American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Volume 192, Issue 6 , Pages 1922-1927, June 2005

The effect of total hysterectomy on specific sexual sensations

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Sciences University and Department of ObGyn, Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital and Medical Center, Portland, OR

Objective

Assess whether women note a change in aspects of arousal because of removal of the uterus and cervix.

Study design

Between 1990 and 1992, 105 women were asked to report on their sexual function before and at 3, 8, and 18 months after undergoing a total hysterectomy. Results were analyzed by χ2.

Results

Hysterectomies were abdominal or vaginal, and 42% of subjects had ovaries removed and initiated estrogen replacement. Ease of arousal diminished in 24% and improved in 11%. Intensity of orgasms decreased in 15% and increased in 14%. Effects of nipple stimulation were usually preserved. Sexual satisfaction increased significantly. Seven women noted distinctly worse sexual function.

Conclusion

An indicated total hysterectomy will likely increase sexual satisfaction and not change the effect of breast stimulation. The few women with disturbingly reduced sexual sensation deserve assessment and treatment.

Key words: Hysterectomy, Sexual sensation, Nipple stimulation

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 Presented at the 71st Annual Meeting of the Pacific Coast Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, October 19-24, 2004, Phoenix, Ariz.Reprints not available from the author.

PII: S0002-9378(05)00281-4

doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2005.02.065

American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Volume 192, Issue 6 , Pages 1922-1927, June 2005

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