Sexual function after tension-free vaginal tape procedure.
BACKGROUND
Aim of this cross-sectional study was to analyze the sexual function of women after tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure.


METHODS
To evaluate the female sexual function after the TVT procedure, we designed a 36-item questionnaire including 21 questions on incontinence, 15 questions on sexuality and 3 questions on the personal impression of the procedure. Diagnostic workup consisted of a detailed medical history, urinalysis, postvoid residual urine volume assessment, ultrasound of the kidney and a urodynamic study.


RESULTS
Fifty-two women completed the entire questionnaire. Overall, 82.7% of the women were satisfied with the TVT procedure. A proportion of 74.0% indicated that they became totally continent after the operation. One third of the sexually active women reported an improvement of their sexual life after TVT, 14.3% a worsening, and 52.4% reported no change. Deterioration of sexual function was significantly associated with de novo urge, dyspareunia and sensation of postvoid residual urine volume.


CONCLUSIONS
In summary, our investigations showed that the influence of the TVT procedure on female sexual function is evident, but of low impact, and in general will not be of relevance.
Marszalek
Martin
M
Department of Urology and Andrology, Danube Hospital, Vienna, Austria.
Roehlich
Michaela
M
Racz
Ursula
U
Metzenbauer
Martin
M
Ponholzer
Anton
A
Rauchenwald
Michael
M
Madersbacher
Stephan
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D019529:Sexuality / Q000502:physiology*; D053825:Suburethral Slings; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000601:surgery*; D013520:Urologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods