Does hysterectomy affect genital sensation?

Objectives: To evaluate vaginal and clitoral sensation before and after hysterectomy and to assess pre- and post-surgery changes in sexual function.

Study Design: Quantitative sensory thresholds for warm, cold, and vibratory sensations were measured at the vagina and clitoris 1 day prior to and 3 months following surgery. A survey was performed 18 months following operation to evaluate long-term changes in sexual function.

Participants: Twenty-seven women, aged 30-57 years, who were admitted for elective hysterectomy.

Main Outcome Measures: Genital sensation and reported sexual function.

Results: There was significant deterioration in sensation to cold and warm stimuli at the anterior and posterior vaginal wall after surgery. Vaginal vibratory sensation thresholds tended to increase. Clitoral thermal and vibratory sensation thresholds remained unchanged before and after surgery. Of the 22 patients who participated in the follow-up survey, 17 did not report any decline in sexual function, while 4 patients reported deterioration in genital sensation and in sexual function.

Conclusion: The results demonstrate quantifiable sensory loss in the vagina after hysterectomy, with preservation of clitoral sensation. Only a minority of patients reported a decline in their sexual function. These findings highlight the relative importance of clitoral as compared to vaginal sensation in sexual function.