The psychosexual effects of risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in female BRCA1/2 mutation carriers: A systematic review of qualitative studies

Abstract Introduction It is estimated that up to 20% of ovarian cancers have an inherited genetic etiology with the most common being BRCA1/2 mutations. For women these mutations risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (RRBSO) reduce risk primary cancer often performed, however surgery results in immediate onset surgical menopause. Aim The aim this systematic review was explore psychosexual impacts reducing salpingo oophorectomy published qualitative literature. Methods PubMed, Medline, Web Science and PsycInfo were searched for papers looked at impact RRBSO on individuals who pre-menopausal time surgery. Studies quality assessed using Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT) Standard Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) checklists data extracted. Thematic synthesis performed. Results Of 143 identified searching, 5 relating interviews 115 after between 2000 2020. moderate. Five different themes related individual experiences RRBSO: (1) information needs, (2) psychological impact, (3) (4) partner support (5) hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Conclusion Individual varied influenced by multiple factors but problems common, caused significant distress their partners poorly explained before Women do not feel adequately prepared sexual side effects RRBSO. provides invaluable insight into can be used better help mitigate