[The relationship between hysterectomy and sexual life according to the latest research]

Hysterectomy is one of the most frequent surgical interventions. Both specialists and lay people are interested in the following question: what kind of late psychosexual consequences does hysterectomy have? In the past years many publications showed a new aspect of the effects of hysterectomy on sexual life. The results of these prospective, randomized studies show that the late psychosexual changes do not primarily depend on the surgical method (vaginal, abdominal total or subtotal hysterectomy). The most significant predictive factor is the quality of sexual relationship before the operation. In the light of the evidence of the latest research, women can be reassured about the fact that hysterectomy, performed due to a benign disease, usually ameliorates the function of the organs in the small pelvis, i.e. positive change in sexual life can be expected. On the basis of the observations, this statement is valid for 2 years after the intervention. To analyze the effects after this period, further long-term studies are required. In this literature review the authors present the most significant study results published in the recent past.