Early effect of pelvic organ prolapse surgery on female sexual functions

Abstract

Aim: In this study, we aimed to detect changes in sexual functions before and after surgery in women who underwent pelvic reconstruction for pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. Material and Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study included 60 patients who underwent anterior and posterior vaginal repair due to cysto-rectocele and/or uterine prolapse. One day before and three months after the operation, FSFI scoring was performed. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to age: 30-40 years old (Group 1), 41-49 years old (Group 2) and 50-59 years old (Group 3). Results: There was no significant difference in the total FSFI score of the patients after the operation (p = 0.072). There was a statistically significant increase in sexual desire and arousal scores (p = 0.011 and p = 0.049, respectively) but there was no statistically significant difference in the other subscale scores. There was a statistically significant difference in the sexual desire and arousal scores of Group 1 and the sexual desire score of Group 3 patients (p = 0.028, 0.046 and 0.017, respectively). There was a decrease in the total FSFI score and sexual desire, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction subscale scores after the operation but this decrease was not statistically significant. Discussion: There was no change in the total FSFI score in the 3rd month after pelvic organ prolapse operation, but there was a statistically significant increase in sexual desire and arousal scores. We believe that this increase may be due to the changing body image and sexual self-confidence of the patients in the postoperative period.