Midurethral Sling Surgery: Impacts on Sexual Function and Approaches to Complications

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Gynecology
• Sexual Health

Background:

• Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) significantly affects women's quality of life and sexual function (SF).
• Midurethral slings (MUS) are a common, effective treatment for SUI, but their impact on SF requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of MUS techniques on SF in women with SUI.
• To outline evidence-based interventions for managing MUS complications or failure.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search of the PubMed database was conducted.
• Included original, peer-reviewed articles published between 2014 and 2025 examining SF changes and treatment options post-MUS surgery for SUI.

Main Results:

• Most of the 98 reviewed studies indicated improved or preserved SF after MUS placement.
• Surgical outcomes and SF impact varied based on sling type, follow-up duration, and patient factors.
• Complications like mesh exposure and recurrent SUI occurred in a subset of patients, necessitating further treatment.

Conclusions:

• While MUS surgery often benefits SF, long-term studies with validated instruments are needed.
• Optimizing outcomes requires careful patient selection and management of potential complications.