The Impact of HPV Diagnosis and the Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) on Mental Health and Sexual Functioning: A Systematic Review

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This systematic review highlights the impact of HPV diagnosis and the electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) on mental health and sexual functioning. Indeed, our results showed that there is a correlation between abnormal cytology results/HPV infection and subsequent treatment interventions (LEEP/LEETZ) and women’s mental health and sexual life. The conclusions of our review underline the importance of sex education and knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases. An improvement in this area could prevent such high transmission of oncogenic HPV. Furthermore, the number of studies evaluating the impact of the procedure (LEEP/LEETZ) and the number of female participants have been very small, thus further research in this direction could be very beneficial. Additionally, psychological support should be provided to any patient who needs it. In this respect, such care should be part of the routine management of patients receiving an HPV diagnosis. Finally, the diagnosis and information about the current state of health should be communicated in an appropriate manner by gynecologists. Proper communication could significantly reduce the patient’s stress and anxiety. ABSTRACT: The impact of HPV diagnosis and subsequent treatment with the electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) on anxiety, depression, psychosocial quality of life, and sexual functioning has not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this review was to systematically summarize the available knowledge on this topic, according to PRISMA guidelines. Data from observational and intervention studies were analyzed. A total of 60 records were included, of which 50 papers addressed the impact of HPV diagnosis on patients’ psychosocial status, while 10 studies addressed the impact of the implemented LEEP procedure on patients’ mental health and sexual functioning. The results indicated a negative impact of HPV diagnosis on the occurrence of depressive and anxiety symptoms, poorer quality of life, as well as on the sexual functioning of the affected women. The results of the studies to date have not confirmed the negative impact of the LEEP procedure on mental health and sexual life, although more research is needed in this area. It is necessary to implement additional procedures to minimize anxiety and distress in patients receiving a diagnosis of HPV or abnormal cytology and to improve awareness of sexually transmitted pathogens.