The relationship between sexual self-concept and sexual function among women who undergone hysterectomy: a cross-sectional study in western Iran.

OBJECTIVES

Hysterectomy is one of the most significant gynecological surgeries and can profoundly affect various aspects of women's health. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sexual self-concept and sexual function in women who have undergone hysterectomy in Hamadan City, western Iran.

METHODS

This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from June 2024 to June 2025 at Fatemieh Hospital in Hamadan. A total of 200 women who have undergone hysterectomy were enrolled using convenience sampling. Demographic and obstetric questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the Multidimensional Sexual Self-Concept Questionnaire (MSSCQ) were completed for all participants. Data analysis was performed using Stata software version 17.

RESULTS

In this study, 200 participants were evaluated. The mean age of the participants was 47.84 years (SD=6.75). Sexual function scores were significantly higher in women with higher education levels (p<0.001), employed women (p=0.022), those with higher spousal education levels (p<0.001), those with employed spouses (p<0.001), and across different ethnic backgrounds (p=0.029). Additionally, a strong positive correlation was observed between the total FSFI and total MSSCQ scores (r=0.93, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study revealed a significant positive correlation between total sexual self-concept scores and sexual function. Preliminary evidence for future longitudinal or interventional sexual research can provide a basis for intervention strategies.