Sexual function after vaginal surgery for pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to assess sexual function following vaginal surgery and to determine the impact on postoperative sexual function in women who undergo concurrent antiincontinence procedures, compared with those who do not.


METHODS
Sexually active women undergoing vaginal repairs for prolapse or urinary incontinence were prospectively enrolled. Subjects completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7), and a standardized questionnaire. Follow-up occurred at 6 months.


RESULTS
Forty-nine subjects (96%) returned their postoperative surveys; 48 were sexually active. Improvements were noted in postoperative prolapse stage, UDI-6, and IIQ-7. However, sexual function and frequency were similar. The most bothersome barrier to sexual activity before repair was vaginal bulging; postoperatively it was vaginal pain. Twelve subjects (25%) commented on the negative impact of vaginal pain postoperatively. Finally, FSFI scores were not different based on performance of antiincontinence surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Sexual function was unchanged following vaginal reconstructive surgery despite anatomic and functional improvements; lack of benefit may be attributable to postoperative dyspareunia.
Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Center for Female Sexual Health, Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA. Rachel_Pauls@trihealth.com
Rachel N
RN
Pauls
W Andre
WA
Silva
Christopher M
CM
Rooney
Sam
S
Siddighi
Steven D
SD
Kleeman
Vicki
V
Dryfhout
Mickey M
MM
Karram
D000328:Adult; D004414:Dyspareunia / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000601:surgery*; D014596:Uterine Prolapse / Q000601:surgery*