SUMMARY :
The possible influence of hysterectomy over the sexual life of women has been
the topic of debate between gynecologists and psychologistsin the last years.
Surgeons are in great favor of the procedure because it solves many health problems
in a rather easy way, whist mental health professionals consider hysterectomy
the cause of many emotional difficulties. To contribute to a better understanding
of this complex picture, we studied a cohort of women who had been hysterectomized
of benign pathology. We investigated their gynecological conditions, the recovery
process, and the changes of mood, affect and sexuality that might have occurred
following uterus removal. Plus, we investigated their marital relation and their
sexuality throughout life. We believe that our project helped us understand
the changes brought about by hysterectomy and the special needs of our patients.