Function, Satisfaction, and Sexual Activity of Trans Women After Vulvovaginoplasty: Results of a Multicenter Study

This study aimed to analyze the functional outcomes after vulvovaginoplasty for trans women with a comprehensive analysis, including sexual function, satisfaction, and esthetic results.

A prospective, observational, multicenter study of trans women who underwent vulvovaginoplasty between 2007 and 2019 was conducted at three different centers in France. Data collection was achieved through an online questionnaire. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire that included the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS), the Body Image Scale (BIS), and nonvalidated questions to explore sexual practices, related orgasm, genital sensitivity, and specific postsurgical satisfaction.

A total of 158 women were included. Highest scores of the FSFI were obtained for the satisfaction domain, lubrication was scored the lowest. Two-thirds (64%, 89/138) of sexually active women had an FSFI score <26.5 (cutoff suggested for sexual dysfunction); the total mean±standard deviation (SD) FSFI score was 21.2±9.5. Self-image was favorable overall; the mean±SD BIS score was 4.5±5.2 and the mean±SD FGSIS score of 22.1±4.3. Masturbation was the most frequent sexual activity and the only one that led to a positive mean orgasm frequency score. The clitoris was the area women most frequently reported as having "sufficient sensitivity" (67.7%).

This multi-institutional study of functional outcomes after vulvovaginoplasty found positive esthetic outcomes and high satisfaction. More than 85% of trans women were sexually active, and sexuality was rich and common despite mixed functional results. These results enlighten the postoperative outcomes and thereby the points to discuss with women considering vulvovaginoplasty.