Sexual function in women after urinary incontinence and/or pelvic organ prolapse surgery.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine how the sexual function is affected in women who underwent surgery for urinary incontinence and/or pelvic organ prolapse.

DESIGN: The study was conducted as a descriptive and prospective research.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 11·1% of the cases with pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence require surgical intervention. Some authors report improved function after surgical correction of pelvic floor disorders, whereas others report deterioration of function.

METHODS: The research was carried out with totally 116 patients in three groups of women who underwent surgery for urinary incontinence and/or pelvic organ prolapse. Sexual function and low urinary tract symptoms were assessed preoperatively and at six months postoperatively, with the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire 12 and Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Scale.

RESULTS: Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12 total scores increased significantly, and sexual function improved at postoperative six months in all groups. In the evaluation of sexual function in each group at preoperative and postoperative six months, Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12 scores of UI, and UI and POP were found to be increased significantly, while there was no change in sexual function in women in the pelvic organ prolapse surgery group at postoperative six months compared with preoperative period.

CONCLUSION: As a result, it was determined that lower urinary tract symptoms were improved and sexual function of women changed positively at six months after UI and/or POP surgery.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: It is important to provide counselling on potential development of postoperative sexual function and the possibility of impairment of sexual function for women undergoing UI and/or POP surgery.