Impact of Loop Electrosurgical Excision (LEEP/LLETZ) on the Quality of Sexual Life in Women of Reproductive Age—A Prospective Longitudinal Study

<b>Background</b>: Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide, with the leading risk factor being high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV); persistent HR-HPV infection leads to cervical dysplasia. With early screening and, if indicated, therapeutic strategies such as a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) and large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ), morbidity and mortality in this population are decreasing. However, it is suspected that these procedures may have an impact on sexual dysfunction. <b>Methods</b>: In this single-center prospective longitudinal study, we recruited patients with a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) and HR-HPV-positive result and evaluated the impact of LEEP/LLETZ on their sexual life and psychological well-being. All participants received two questionnaires-the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Brief Index of Sexual Function-Women (BISF-W)-after diagnosis, before treatment, and three months after the procedure. <b>Results</b>: A total of 40 women aged 28 to 55 years were enrolled. This study showed no significant changes in both the FSFI (F(1,39) = 0.774; <i>p</i> = 0.38) and BISF-W total scores (F(1,39). This study revealed that 32/40 (80%) of participants based on the FSFI either exhibited no change or improved sexual function. Only 3/40 (7.5%) mentioned sexual dysfunction after procedures. This study also found that the mean score for sexual function based on the FSFI was 2.80; <i>p</i> = 0.102. <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings suggest that patients who qualified for LEEP/LLETZ can be reassured that the anxiety they experience prior to treatment is not necessarily justified. This provides evidence of the safety of loop excision procedures in terms of sexual functioning after the procedure. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to analyze the potential risk factors that may contribute to adverse sexual outcomes and to achieve a better understanding of this complex problem.