Female sexual dysfunction after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

The aim was to measure female sexual function after total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis using a validated scoring system and to determine the impact of pouch function on sexual function.

A cross-sectional survey was performed using a modified version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-m). Measures of pouch function, including the Faecal Incontinence Severity Index, were also evaluated.

Of 166 women eligible for inclusion, 90 responded to the questionnaires and 83 of these reported sexual activity. The mean age of the 83 women was 38.4 years and the mean time since pouch formation was 6.2 years. Thirty-nine women (47.0 per cent) had an FSFI-m score of 26 or less, indicating sexual dysfunction. The association between sexual dysfunction and stool leakage interfering with the ability to enjoy sexual activity tended toward significance (P = 0.071), but other measures of pouch function were not associated with sexual dysfunction. Some 55-80 per cent of respondents perceived no change or improved performance in the six domains of sexual function.

Almost half of the respondents reported having sexual dysfunction. Although poor pouch function was not identified as an important predictor of sexual dysfunction in this series, larger studies may be required to identify associated prognostic factors clearly.