Assessment of Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) Scores at 1 Month After Endometrial Sampling Performed Under Sedo-Analgesia or Local Anesthesia

Overview

Endometrial sampling is a commonly performed gynecological procedure used for the diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding and endometrial abnormalities. Different anesthetic techniques may be used during the procedure, including sedo-analgesia and local anesthesia. The purpose of this prospective observational study is to evaluate whether the anesthetic technique used during endometrial sampling affects female sexual function one month after the procedure. Female sexual function will be assessed using the validated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. A total of 210 women undergoing endometrial sampling at Prof. Dr. Cemil Taşcıoğlu City Hospital will be enrolled. Participants will be assigned to groups according to the anesthetic technique used during their routine clinical care. FSFI scores obtained at the one-month follow-up visit will be compared between women who underwent the procedure under sedo-analgesia and those who received local anesthesia. Secondary analyses will include comparison of FSFI scores according to symptom status and histopathological diagnosis. The findings of this study may contribute to a better understanding of the impact of anesthetic techniques on postoperative sexual health and quality of life in women undergoing gynecological procedures.

Endometrial sampling is a widely used gynecological procedure for the diagnosis and management of abnormal uterine bleeding and suspected endometrial pathology. The procedure may be performed under different anesthetic techniques, including sedo-analgesia and local anesthesia. Sedo-analgesia provides patient comfort through the administration of short-acting sedative and analgesic agents, whereas local anesthesia reduces procedural pain by blocking cervical nerve transmission. Both techniques are routinely used in clinical practice. Sexual health is an important component of physical and psychological well-being. Procedure-related pain, anxiety, and postoperative discomfort may influence female sexual function and quality of life. However, limited data are available regarding the potential impact of anesthetic technique during endometrial sampling on subsequent sexual function. The aim of this prospective observational cohort study is to evaluate whether undergoing endometrial sampling under sedo-analgesia or local anesthesia affects Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores at one month after the procedure. The study will be conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prof. Dr. Cemil Taşcıoğlu City Hospital, between April 2026 and April 2027. A total of 210 women aged 18 to 60 years undergoing endometrial sampling will be enrolled. Participants will be allocated into two cohorts according to the anesthetic technique used during routine clinical care: Sedo-analgesia group (n=105) Local anesthesia group (n=105) Female sexual function will be evaluated at the one-month follow-up visit using the validated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), a 19-item questionnaire assessing six domains: desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. Demographic and clinical characteristics, including age, gravidity, parity, and abortion history, will also be recorded. FSFI scores will be compared between the two groups to determine whether anesthetic technique is associated with differences in postoperative sexual function. Secondary analyses will include comparison of FSFI scores according to symptom status and histopathological diagnosis. The results of this study may provide evidence regarding the influence of anesthetic management during gynecological procedures on female sexual health and may contribute to improving patient-centered perioperative care.