038 Cervix Innervation Study: LEEP Surgery May Result in Sexual Dysfunction

Abstract

The cervix has a well-recognized role in reproduction and pregnancy, but its function in female sexual response has yet to be fully clarified. Using functional MRI, Komisaruk et al. (2011) showed that pressure stimulating the cervix activated the paracentral lobule in the genital sensory cortex, providing evidence that cervical sensory activity is perceptible. The triple afferent innervation of the cervix via the pelvic, hypogastric, and vagus nerves supports its multifaceted physiologic role. Inna et al (2010) reported significant negative deficits in overall sexual and orgasmic satisfaction after Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedures (LEEP) for cervical dysplasia. The objectives of this study are to characterize the innervation of cervical tissue from hysterectomy specimens. Seven tissue samples from Kingston General Hospital (Ontario), selected from an archive tissue bank from total hysterectomy procedures, were acquired and examined histologically. Tissue blocks from both the anterior and posterior walls of the cervix were used for analysis. The tissue included the cervical external os, around which the loop wire cuts during the LEEP procedure.