The effect of gynecological surgery on sexual desire

Abstract

This study compared the impact of surgery on sexual desire in women who had undergone hysterectomy with women whose nongynecological surgery was of a similar status. Women aged 30 to 65 completed mailed questionnaires including the Sexual Desire Questionnaire, Hurlbert Index of Sexual Desire, and the Sexual Desire Inventory. Other areas assessed were affect, mood awareness, sexual anxiety, and androgen levels. Analysis of the questionnaire measures showed no differences in sexual desire for gynecological versus nongynecological surgery, or across the different types of hysterectomy. There was no relation between the level of androgens and the women's sexual desire levels. The implications of these findings are discussed with regard to the potential impact of surgery on sexuality, as well as future research in the area.