Evaluation of symptoms and sexual functions related to surgical menopause

This study was conducted to evaluate menopausal symptoms and sexual functions in women who entered menopause as a result of surgical intervention. This descriptive and correlation-seeking study was conducted with 43 women who had hysterectomy and/or bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy surgery at the Training and Research Hospital affiliated with the Ministry of Health between 01.11.2023 and 01.05.2024. Research data were collected using the "Introductory Information Form", "Menopause Symptom Assessment Scale (MSDS)", "Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)", at least two weeks before surgery and 6-8 days after surgery. It was collected through face-to-face meetings over weeks. The data were analyzed in a statistical package program. It was determined that the average age of menopausal women was 45,510±2,694 (Min=40; Max=49), the MSDS total average score was 9,861±4,357, and the women participating in the study experienced low-level symptoms and had the most psychological and the least somatic complaints. A significant difference was found between age, smoking and alcohol consumption, and gynecological surgery history and MSDS scores. MSDS total scores were found to be lower in women with a history of chronic disease. The mean FSFI score of menopausal women before surgery was 25.570±8.814 and the mean FSFI score after surgery was 20.277±8.258, and a significant decrease was observed after surgery (p<0.05). It was observed that there was a moderate negative relationship between FSFI postoperative scores and MSDS scores. As a result of the study, it was determined in all subdimensions of FSFI there was a decrease in women after surgical menopause.