Abstract Introduction Pediatric and adolescent gynecological procedures are often perceived as invasive and distressing, potentially influencing later psychological development, self-esteem, and sexual functioning. Despite the increasing attention to the psychosocial impact of early medical interventions, evidence regarding long-term psychological and psychosexual outcomes in this population remains limited. Moreover, data on the effectiveness of supportive psychotherapeutic interventions are scarce. Objective To evaluate the psychological and psychosexual consequences of childhood gynecological surgery and to assess the effectiveness of a six-month psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational intervention. Methods The study involved 20 young women aged 18–25 who had undergone at least one gynecological procedure before the age of 17 (e.g., ovarian cyst removal, correction of congenital anomalies, or endometriosis treatment). Assessment tools included a self-developed questionnaire, the Multidimensional Self-Esteem Inventory (MSEI), Social Competence Scale (KSS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (KPD), Life Satisfaction Scale (SWLS), and NEO-FFI. Measurements were performed at baseline and after six months of weekly psychodynamic psychotherapy combined with psychoeducation. Data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test and chi-square analyses. Results At baseline, participants reported persistent somatic complaints (55%), insufficient information regarding the consequences of their procedures (40%), and a lack of psychological support (50%). Hospitalization was identified as a source of long-term stress in 35% of participants. Psychometric assessment revealed depressive symptoms in 35%, elevated anxiety in 30–40%, body image–related low self-esteem in 45%, and reduced life satisfaction in 30%. Following six months of intervention, significant improvements were observed across all domains: – Persistent somatic symptoms decreased to 25% (U = 174.5; p = 0.001), – Depressive symptoms to 10% (U = 176.0; p = 0.004), – Anxiety to 15–22% (p 0.01), – Low self-esteem to 20% (U = 171.0; p = 0.001), – Low life satisfaction to 8% (U = 160.0; p 0.001). All chi-square tests confirmed statistical significance. Conclusions Childhood and adolescent gynecological procedures may have long-term emotional and psychosexual consequences. However, structured psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational interventions significantly reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms, improve body image, and enhance overall life satisfaction. These findings highlight the need to integrate systematic psychological and psychosexual care into standard pediatric and adolescent gynecology protocols. Disclosure No
Chrapkiewicz-Knebel et al. (Mon,) studied this question.