The quality of sexual life after vaginal surgical interventions

Abstract

Introduction. The malfunction of the supporting pelvic system generates signs and symptoms that require various procedures. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether vaginal surgical interventions for genital prolapse or urinary incontinence have an impact on patients’ sexual quality of life. Materials and methods. We studied 40 eligible women who underwent vaginal surgical procedures in Saint John Hospital, Bucharest. Patients completed a questionnaire 6 months after the intervention. Results. Patients who underwent vaginal surgery for prolapse were 50-64 years of age. The most frequent vaginal surgical intervention was vaginal hysterectomy (32.5%), followed by anterior and posterior colporaphy (17.5%), and direct cystopexy (15.0%). Regarding their sexual life, 42.5% patients described improvement in sexual life, 22.5% described decreased libido after surgery, and 35% indicated no significant improvement. 57.5% of women indicated that they had no sexual discomfort (57.5%), whereas 27.5% had dyspareunia and 15% had dysuria. There was no negative impact on patients’ male partner quality of sexual intercourse after intervention. Conclusions. Vaginal surgical interventions for genital prolapse or urinary incontinence do not appear to lead to significant alteration of quality of sexual life in women.

Keywords

• sexual life
• quality of life
• vaginal surgery
• vaginal hysterectomy