Psychosocial effects of hysterectomy: Literature review☆
Received 26 July 2004; accepted 18 May 2005.
Refers to erratum:
Erratum
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
March 2006 (Vol. 60, Issue 3, Pages 320-321) Full Text |
Full-Text PDF (53 KB)
Abstract
Objectives
With the development of less invasive treatments, the suitability of hysterectomy as a treatment for benign symptoms is being reevaluated. This paper critically and comprehensively reviews the psychosocial outcomes of hysterectomy in areas of sexuality, pain, and psychological functioning.
Methods
Medline, Pub Med, and PsychLit were searched for studies and reviews pertaining to the psychosocial outcomes of hysterectomy. Over 100 studies and reviews, in English, French, and German language, published in the past 30 years were included. Controversial theories and empirical evidence are discussed in the domains of sexuality, pain, and psychological well-being. Special attention is devoted to design, sampling, and measurement issues as well as different surgical approaches with regard to hysterectomy–oophorectomy.
Results
While hysterectomy appears to reduce pain, there do not appear strong psychosexual or psychosocial effects. Nonetheless, there may be a subgroup of women (10–20%) who report negative psychosocial outcomes such as reduced sexual interest, arousal, and orgasm, as well as elevated depressive symptoms and impaired body image.
Conclusions
More research is necessary to establish which patients may benefit most and which may not. Directions for future research are discussed.
aDepartment of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
bDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
cSex and Couple Therapy Service, Department of Psychology, McGill University Health Center (Royal Victoria Hospital), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Corresponding author. 16 Gardner Street, Arlington, MA 02474, United States. Tel.: +1 781 316 8082; (Cell) +1 514 212 7733
☆ This research was supported by a Canadian Foundation for Women's Health grant to N. Flory and a Canadian Institute of Health Research grant to Y. M. Binik. This paper stands in partial fulfillment of N. Flory's PhD requirements and received the Student Research Award from the Society of Sex Therapy and Research in 2005.
ABSTRACT