The impact of stress incontinence surgery on female sexual function
Linda Brubaker, Seine Chiang, Halina Zyczynski, Peggy Norton, D Lynn Kalinoski, Anne Stoddard, John W Kusek, William Steers, Urinary Incontinence Treatment Network, Linda Brubaker, Seine Chiang, Halina Zyczynski, Peggy Norton, D Lynn Kalinoski, Anne Stoddard, John W Kusek, William Steers, Urinary Incontinence Treatment Network
Abstract
Objective: We sought to describe change in sexual function 2 years after surgery to treat stress urinary incontinence.
Study design: This analysis included 655 women randomized to Burch colposuspension or sling surgery. Sexual activity was assessed by the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) among those sexually active at baseline and 2 years after surgery.
Results: Mean PISQ-12 total score improved from baseline 32.23 +/- 6.85 to 36.85 +/- 5.89. After surgery, fewer subjects reported incontinence (9% vs 53%; P < .0001), restriction of sexual activity as a result of fear of incontinence (10% vs 52%; P < .0001), avoidance of intercourse because of vaginal bulging (3% vs 24%; P < .0001), or negative emotional reactions during sex (9% vs 35%; P < .0001). Women with successful surgery had greater improvement PISQ-12 scores (5.77 vs 3.79; P < .006). Sexually active women were younger, thinner, and had lower Medical, Epidemiological, and Social Aspects of Aging scores (total and urge subscale) than sexually inactive women.
Conclusion: Sexual function improves after successful surgery and does not differ between Burch and sling.
Source: PubMed