(029) The Effect of Nipple Neuropathy on Women’s Sexual Health

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Breast surgery (including lumpectomy, mastectomy, augmentation, and cancer surgery) is a common intervention that women of all ages may experience. In a recent research publication, it is estimated that up to 81.5% reported that stimulation of their nipples/breasts caused or enhanced their sexual arousal whereas 78.2% agreed that when sexually aroused such manipulation increased their arousal, 59.1% had asked to have their nipples stimulated during lovemaking. While breast surgery’s impact on self-esteem has been assessed, breast surgery’s impact on nipple sensation and its relationship to sexual function has often been neglected in the literature. The nipple is a sexual organ; as such, the impact of surgical intervention on sexual function should be assessed. Objective An in-office survey was conducted in a sexual medicine office was conducted to assess nipple sensation after a variety of different breast surgeries, and its impact on sexual function. Methods An in-office survey was given to a random sampling of women attending sexual medicine/obstetrician and gynecology offices. Fifty women completed the survey. A novel, non-validated, single item, nipple sensation scale, Global Assessment of Nipple Sensation Scale (GANSS), was used as an assessment tool. A Likert scale of nipple sensation was also used, where 1 was very sensitive and 7 was absent sensation. Data regarding demographics and the impact of their surgery due to changes in nipple sensation were collected Results Fifty female subjects, at least one year post heterogeneous type breast surgery, reporting nipple neuropathy were surveyed for the extent of neuropathy and associated sexual function changes. The average age of the subjects was 53.6 +/-10.8. The average nipple sensitivity score (Likert scale 1-7) was 5.06+/-1.39. Nipple numbness was reported by 82% of the subjects. 40% of the subjects reported that reduced sensitivity affected their sexual function as well as (sexual desire, lubrication, and arousal. 30% reported distressful impact on orgasmic strength with reports of reduced orgasm intensity. 22% of the respondents reported that the changes in nipple sensitivity had impacted their primary relationship and 32% of women reported that it had negatively impacted their overall sexual wellness. Conclusions Breast surgery resulting in decreased nipple sensation is perceived by patients to have impactful changes on sexual self-esteem, sexuality and overall sexual wellness. This is a poorly studied phenomenon and has implications on female sexual health. The assessment tool used in this study needs to be validated and larger clinical trials should be conducted. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: applied. iology Clarification: Industry funding only - investigator initiated and executed study.