Effects of abdominal hysterectomy on urinary and sexual symptoms

A prospective study of 102 women undergoing abdominal hysterectomy for benign conditions was performed in order to evaluate pre- and post-operative urinary and sexual symptoms. The mean age of the patients was 44.9 years (range 30-65). Urinary disorders such as urgency, dysuria, frequency, nocturia, slow bladder emptying, sensation of residual urine as well as stress and urge incontinence were observed pre-operatively and 2, 6 and 12 months post-operatively. Dyspareunia, libido and the number of orgasms were evaluated as disorders affecting sexual life. At follow-up 12 months post-operatively a statistically significant decrease in stress incontinence, frequency and nocturia was observed. Dyspareunia was also significantly less frequent and increased libido was experienced. It was concluded that abdominal hysterectomy does not provoke adverse urinary or sexual symptoms and that it can have beneficial effects.