Quality of life and sexual health of women with peripartum hysterectomy: A single-center experience from South India

Abstract

Objective: The quality of life and psychosomatic consequences of peripartum hysterectomy (PH) have not been studied in a larger cohort. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the quality of life, social and sexual functions in women who underwent peripartum hysterectomy. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, women who underwent PH from July 2016 to June 2021 were identified. Women who had a cesarean delivery (CD) in the same period were chosen as controls. The WHO quality of life (brief version) (WHOQOL-BREF), evaluation of social system (EVOS) scale, and Arizona sexual experience scale (ASEX) were utilized to assess quality of life, sexual satisfaction and social health. Results: A total of 75 women in PH and 75 in the CD group completed WHOQOL-BREF, while only 53 women completed ASEX and EVOS. The mean age was 29.13 ± 4.5 and 27.69 ± 4.38 years in the PH and CD group, respectively. General quality of life and health were significantly lower in the PH group (mean difference [95% CI], −27.16 [−33.80–20.54]; P = 0.000). No significant difference was observed in the physical (62.52 ± 14.9 vs. 64.52 ± 12.62; P = 0.376) and social domain (70.44 ± 15.33 vs. 70.77 ± 14.84; P = 0.893) of QOL. However, in the psychological (47.61 ± 11.76 vs. 54.77 ± 11.67; P = 0.000) and environmental domain (59.79 ± 8.61 vs. 65.29 ± 10.61; P = 0.001), significantly lower scores were observed in women with PH. The ASEX score was comparable (17.51 ± 5.83 vs. 17.8 ± 4.82; P = 0.745). Conclusion: The overall quality of life and psychological health are inferior in women who have had a peripartum hysterectomy. However, physical function and sexual satisfaction are comparable to those who had a cesarean delivery.