About 600,000 hysterectomies are performed each year, making this one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States. Almost 90% of hysterectomies are elective and performed for benign indications (Farquhar & Steiner, 2002). When making a decision about whether to undergo an elective hysterectomy, concerns about changes in sexual functioning can be an important consideration for many women (e.g., Groff et al., 2000; Lalinec-Michaud & Engelsmann, 1985). Yet, the data regarding the impact of hysterectomy on women's sexual functioning are not clear and consistent, and many practitioners are not well-informed about the possible sexual consequences of hysterectomies. This makes it difficult for women to make well-informed choices about their gynecological treatment options. A plethora of research suggests that the majority of women who undergo hysterectomy experience improved sexual functioning and satisfaction following the surgery (e.g., Farrell & Kieser, 2000; Kupperman et al., 2005; Rhodes, Kjerulff, Langenberg, & Guzinski, 1999). This is not surprising given that many women who undergo an elective hysterectomy do so to treat conditions such as uterine leiomyomata (i.e., uterine fibroids), menstrual disorders, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory diseases (Farquhar & Steiner, 2002). These conditions may negatively impact a woman's sexual functioning and satisfaction, and for many women, post-surgical resolution of unpleasant symptoms likely contributes to less pelvic pain, less dyspareunia, increased sexual desire and arousal, and greater sexual satisfaction.
