# Sexual Function, Activity and Distress 24 Months After Surgical Menopause: What Happens After Menopause (WHAM)—A Prospective Controlled Study

## TL;DR

This study found that surgical menopause leads to increased sexual dysfunction and distress, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) did not improve sexual function.

## Contribution

The study is the first to prospectively assess long-term sexual outcomes after surgical menopause and evaluate HRT's impact.

## Key findings

- Sexual dysfunction increased from 19% to 42% after RRSO compared to 24% to 29% in controls.
- Sexual distress nearly quadrupled in the RRSO group.
- HRT use did not improve sexual function, activity, or distress.

## Abstract

To determine the effect of surgical menopause (risk‐reducing salpingo‐oophorectomy, RRSO) on sexual function and the modifying effects of HRT.

Prospective observational study of women undergoing RRSO and age‐matched comparison group who retained their ovaries.

High‐risk clinics and general population.

Sexual function was measured at baseline, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months.

Primary outcome was sexual function at 24 months using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Secondary outcomes included the Fallowfield Sexual Activity Questionnaire (SAQ) and Female Sexual Distress Scale‐Revised (FSDS‐R).

Baseline sexual function was similar between groups. At 24 months, sexual dysfunction increased from 19% to 42% after RRSO versus 24% to 29% in comparisons (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.9, 95% CI 0.7–5.1; p = 0.21). Compared to comparisons, sexual desire (−0.4, p = 0.02), arousal (−0.7, p < 0.001), lubrication (−0.6, p = 0.01) and satisfaction (−0.6, p < 0.001) were significantly reduced in the RRSO group. Sexual pain (−0.5, p = 0.05) and discomfort (−1.0, p < 0.001) increased after RRSO; sexual habit was unchanged. Sexual distress nearly quadrupled in the RRSO group (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.6–9.0; p = 0.003). After RRSO, 61% commenced HRT. HRT was not associated with sexual function, activity or distress.

Sexual dysfunction and distress increased after RRSO. Use of HRT was not associated with better sexual function.