The Effects of Hysterectomy on Urinary and Sexual Functions of Women with Cervical Cancer: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective This systematic review aims at describing the prevalence of urinary and sexual symptoms among women who underwent a hysterectomy for cervical cancer. Methods A systematic search in six electronic databases was performed, in September 2019, by two researchers. The text search was limited to the investigation of prevalence or occurrence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and sexual dysfunctions in women who underwent a hysterectomy for cervical cancer. For search strategies, specific combinations of terms were used. Results A total of 8 studies, published between 2010 and 2018, were included in the sample. The average age of the participants ranged from 40 to 56 years, and the dysfunctions predominantly investigated in the articles were urinary symptoms (n = 8). The rates of urinary incontinence due to radical abdominal hysterectomy ranged from 7 to 31%. The same dysfunction related to laparoscopic radical hysterectomy varied from 25 to 35% and to laparoscopic nerve sparing radical hysterectomy varied from 25 to 47%. Nocturia ranged from 13%, before treatment, to 30%, after radical hysterectomy. The prevalence rates of dyspareunia related to laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and laparoscopic nerve sparing radical hysterectomy ranged from 5 to 16% and 7 to 19% respectively. The difficulty in having orgasm was related to laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (10 to 14%) and laparoscopic nerve sparing radical hysterectomy (9 to 19%). Conclusion Urinary and sexual dysfunctions after radical hysterectomy to treat cervical cancer are frequent events. The main reported disorders were urinary incontinence and dyspareunia.

Effects of Kegel exercise combined with rational emotive behavior therapy on pelvic floor muscle function and sexual life quality in patients with total hysterectomy: A retrospective study

“…However, it also brings about some adverse outcomes, such as vital organ defects, pelvic sagging, negative emotions and sexual function decline. [ 15 ] With the development of the modern medical model of “bio-psycho-social,” more and more researchers have paid attention to the psychological status and sexual quality of patients with total hysterectomy. For these patients, to improve the function of pelvic floor muscle, to actively cope with the disease and to enhance the quality of sex life, it is of great significance to attach importance to the pelvic floor muscle exercise and emotional intervention.…”