Supravaginal uterine amputation vs. hysterectomy. Effects on libido and orgasm

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Sexual Health
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Postoperative symptoms following hysterectomy are under-researched.
• Understanding the impact of different uterine surgery types on sexual function is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of abdominal hysterectomy versus supravaginal uterine amputation on libido and orgasm frequency.
• To evaluate long-term sexual function changes one year after surgery.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study interviewing 212 patients (105 hysterectomy, 107 uterine amputation) preoperatively and at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively.
• Statistical analysis using McNemar's test of symmetry and Fisher's exact test.
• High follow-up rate of 99.5% at one year.

Main Results:

• Libido showed no statistically significant changes in either group or between groups.
• Hysterectomy patients experienced a highly significant reduction in orgasm frequency (p<0.001) one year postoperatively.
• Supravaginal amputation patients showed no significant decrease in orgasm frequency, with a near-significant difference compared to hysterectomy (p<0.05).

Conclusions:

• Abdominal hysterectomy leads to a significant decline in orgasm frequency, unlike supravaginal uterine amputation.
• Greater radicality in hysterectomy, including damage to vaginal innervation and anatomical changes, likely contributes to reduced sexual function.
• Supravaginal uterine amputation appears to offer better sexual function outcomes compared to hysterectomy.