Psychological reactions and sexual life after hysterectomy with and without oophorectomy.

A total of 678 women were interviewed about psychological reactions and sexual adjustment after abdominal hysterectomy with and without simultaneous oophorectomy. The response rate was high and complete questionnaires were returned by 86% of the women. A more positive attitude towards the operation was found in the group of women where the ovaries had been preserved. Women who had undergone oophorectomy experienced a deteriorated sexual life compared to women with preserved ovaries. This was observed regardless of age and in different parameters such as 'coital frequency' and 'experience of intercourse'. The negative effects of sexual life as a result of hysterectomy with simultaneous oophorectomy are important to bear in mind and should be discussed with the woman prior to surgery.