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

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.