An exploration of body image distress in women who underwent a prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (PBSO)

Prophylactic Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy (PBSO) may be associated with body image distress (BID). However, the risk factors of BID after PBSO and its sexual and relational consequences are still largely understudied. This study aimed at investigating 1) the frequency of BID after PBSO; 2) the role of previous medical treatments for breast cancer and age on BID; and 3) the mediating role of couple satisfaction on the relationship between BID and sexual distress. Fifty-nine women (Mage: 50.64 ± 6.7 years) who underwent PBSO took part in this cross-sectional study, filling out a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire, and self-report measures of body image, sexual distress and couple satisfaction. Statistical analyses included the Kruskal–Wallis test and a mediation model. One third (33.9%; N = 20) of the participants reported a BID. The areas of major concern were those related to physical appearance and attractiveness. Women younger than 50 years old and with a history of invasive treatments for breast cancer (i.e., mastectomy plus chemotherapy or radiotherapy) reported the highest levels of BID. Moreover, BID was a significant positive predictor of sexual distress (β =.385; p <.001), and couple satisfaction significantly mediated this association [.008,.384]; p =.041). BID is a common issue among women who underwent PBSO, being associated with negative relational and sexual consequences. Given their greater risk to develop BID, women younger than 50 years old and with an history of invasive breast cancer treatment may require ad-hoc, tailored psychological interventions to foster their body self-acceptance.