Consequences of different hysterectomy techniques in sexual behavior : a systematic review

Abstract

We conducted a systematic review of the literature to determine the influence of different hysterectomy techniques in the sexual behavior of women who underwent. We searched CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library), PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL and LILACS for studies between the years 1998 and 2010 that prospectively examined the sexuality after hysterectomy. Those that were not randomized controlled clinical trials were excluded. It was not available electronically, it was not related with the outcomes determined, it was not research, but publications before 1998 and study which women realized chemotherapy and radiotherapy. From the 455 identified studies, 9 met inclusion criteria. There was variability in how hysterectomies influence in the sexual behavior. Most of studies considered women who underwent vaginal hysterectomy had fewer changes in sexual behavior. Sexual desire, intercourse frequency and orgasm are the sexual aspects reported by women as more changes experimented after surgery. Findings from this study have implications for healthcare providers and policymakers. Each woman needs an individualized care plan that fits within the context of her life, and there are basic interventions that every woman who underwent hysterectomy should receive. This review draws attention to the need for different care plans for women who underwent different hysterectomy techniques.