How to Approach Female Sexual Dysfunction in a Urogynecology Practice

Sexual dysfunction is prevalent among women with pelvic floor disorders presenting to urogynecologists.

This review summarizes a workshop held at the 2024 annual International Urogynecology Association meeting and covers the treatment of common sexual dysfunction treatments in a urogynecology practice, how pelvic floor surgery can affect sexual health, and when to refer to a pelvic floor physical therapist or sexual health therapist.

For patients suffering from female sexual interest/arousal disorder and orgasmic disorder, medical management, pelvic floor physical therapy, sex therapy, and mechanical devices can be utilized. For women requiring surgery, sexual function either improves or remains unchanged after prolapse surgery and midurethral sling surgery. Dyspareunia rates are lower after all prolapse surgery types compared with preoperative dyspareunia. De novo dyspareunia ranged from 0 to 9% after prolapse repairs.

Management of pelvic floor disorders can have a positive impact on sexual function. Many treatments are multidisciplinary and may require referral to a pelvic floor physical therapist or sex therapist.