Correlates of sexual function following vulvar excision

Abstract

Objectives The objectives were to evaluate associations between size of excision, grade of VIN, demographic variables, location of excision and laterality and sexual function and quality of life (QOL) in women with vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) following vulvar excision. Methods Forty-three women with VIN who had undergone a vulvar excision completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 (QLQ C-30) scale to provide an assessment of sexual function and QOL. Medical records of the participants were reviewed for pathology results, operative reports, and medication history. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed to determine associations between collected variables and sexual function and QOL scores. Results Most participants ( n = 43) were Caucasian (76.6%) and smoked (69.8%). Age significantly correlated with FSFI total score (Pearson r = − .470, p = .001), along with size of excision ( r = − .412, p = .009). Neither VIN grade, location of excision, nor time since excision correlated with sexual function or QOL. Conclusions Older age and a more extensive vulvar excision were associated with poorer sexual function and QOL in women following surgical treatment for VIN. Further study with a larger sample and additional variables is needed to better understand the effect of vulvar excision on women's sexual function and QOL.