Prospective observational study of the impact of vaginal surgery (pelvic organ prolapse with or without urinary incontinence) on female sexual function

Introduction and hypothesis: There is a difference of opinion in the literature as to whether pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a direct cause of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Sexual function in women is negatively impacted by the presence of urinary symptoms. Thus, sexual dysfunction (SD) might be improved, unchanged, or worsened by pelvic floor surgery. Methods: In this study, we observed SD and impact of surgical intervention on female sexual function (FSF) using a validated Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire Short Form (PISQ-12) in women undergoing surgery for POP with or without urinary incontinence. Two hundred women were recruited and followed up at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Results: Sexual function (SF) as measured by the PISQ-12 improved after surgery irrespective of the nature of surgery or the patient’s past gynaecology history. Improvement in SF was seen by 6 months (97 patients) postsurgery (P < 0.05), after which (at 12 months; 80 patients) no further change was observed. Improved SF was associated with better patient satisfaction postoperatively. Conclusions: Sexual function improved in women following surgery for POP with or withour urinary incontinence, irrespective of the nature of surgery and the patient’s past gynecologic history. Results of this study will assist when counselling women with POP with or without urinary incontinence regarding treatment options.