Sexual function after urogynecologic surgery

Area of Science:

• Urogynecology
• Female Sexual Health
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Pelvic floor disorders, including pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urinary incontinence (UI), affect a significant portion of women.
• These conditions negatively impact quality of life and sexual functioning.
• Understanding the effects of surgical interventions on sexual health is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize current research on sexual function following urogynecologic surgery.
• To evaluate the impact of various surgical procedures for POP and UI on postoperative sexual health.
• To highlight areas for future research in this evolving field.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of contemporary studies on sexual function after urogynecologic surgery.
• Inclusion of data on reconstructive surgeries for POP (native tissue, mesh, uterine-preserving, hysterectomy) and anti-incontinence procedures (for stress urinary incontinence [SUI] and urge urinary incontinence [UUI]).

Main Results:

• Surgical repair of POP, regardless of modality (native tissue, mesh, uterine-sparing), is associated with general improvements in sexual functioning.
• Anti-incontinence procedures for SUI and UUI also demonstrate improvements in sexual function.
• Most studies reviewed focused on heterosexual, cisgender women.

Conclusions:

• Surgical treatments for pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence generally lead to enhanced sexual functioning.
• Pelvic floor disorder treatments positively impact sexual health.
• Continued research is essential to address the dynamic nature of gynecologic surgical procedures and their effects on sexual function.