Surveillance of Indonesian female sexual function after hysterectomy

Sexual function is one component of quality of life that could be fulfilled by humans. Hysterectomy, which is an operative procedure in women, may cause disturbance in sexual function.

This study aims to determine the surveillance of sexual function after hysterectomy.

This is a cross-sectional study involving 92 gynecological tumor patients who had undergone a hysterectomy by open laparotomy procedure for at least 3 months. Evaluation of sexual dysfunction using the female sexual function index (FSFI-6) questionnaire, which assesses sexual function in the form of sexual disorder, sexual dysfunction, desire disorders, stimulation, orgasm disorders, and pain. The study was conducted in September-November 2018 in Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta. The patients were divided into total and radical hysterectomy groups and whether castration was performed.

The total group had 71 total hysterectomy and 21 radical hysterectomy patients. Sexual dysfunction (radical hysterectomy 47.6%, n = 10/21; total hysterectomy 28.2%, n = 20/71; castration 33.8%, n = 24/71; and without castration 28.6%, n = 6/21); orgasmic disorders (total hysterectomy 28.2%, n = 20/71; radical hysterectomy 47.6%, n = 10/21; castration 33.8%, n = 24/71; without castration 28.6%, n = 6/21); and pain disorder (radical hysterectomy 28.6%, n = 6/21; compared with 9.9%, n = 7/71 total hysterectomy).

No significant differences were found between sexual function after radical hysterectomy and total hysterectomy, as well as between the castration groups. Based on these findings, sexual function is an important reference for health professionals to be considered in conducting counseling before and after surgery.