Sexual functioning and psychological well-being after uterine artery embolization in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effects of uterine artery embolization (UAE) on psychological and sexual well-being 3 months after treatment.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Large teaching hospital in Tilburg, the Netherlands.

Patient(s): 141 Premenopausal women with symptomatic uterine fibroids.

Intervention(s): UAE for symptomatic fibroids.

Main outcome measure(s): Changes in scores on a questionnaire concerning sexual well-being (ranging from 0 to 32, a higher score indicating better functioning) and a questionnaire concerning psychological well-being (SCL-90, ranging from 0 to 360, a higher score indicating more emotional and somatic concerns).

Result(s): The total score for sexual functioning showed a statistically significant increase from 20.3 to 22.7, 3 months after UAE, indicating that sexual functioning improved. Thirty-four percent and 37% of women reported an increase in sexual activity and desire. The percentage of women reporting sexual problems of lubrication, orgasm, or pain decreased 7%, 36%, and 14%, respectively. The total SCL-90 score showed a statistically significant decrease from 133 to 116, 3 months after UAE, indicating a decrease in emotional and somatic concerns.

Conclusion(s): Sexual and psychological well-being improved significantly 3 months after UAE in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids. Sixty-eight percent had an increase in the total score for sexual functioning. Problems with sexual functioning were statistically significantly decreased.