Abstract
Introduction: Urinary incontinence is a common problem that can affect the quality of life of women of all ages and can negatively influence the exercise of sexuality. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare sexual function of women before and after surgical treatment for urinary incontinence. Method: The sample consisted of 38 women with urinary incontinence and surgical treatment (Burch or Sling procedure). The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to evaluate sexual dysfunction before and after surgical treatment. Results: The mean age of the women in the study was 48 ± 8.8 years, and 58% were 50 years old or younger. By analyzing FSFI, it was observed that the majority of subjects had an overall index of sexual dysfunction (score < 26 points) before surgery. The desire and arousal domains improved significantly after surgery for all women included in the study. It was also observed that women with higher levels of education had more positive results related to desire. Conclusions: In our sample, in general, sexual function improved after surgical treatment of urinary incontinence, regardless of technique used, particularly in the discounter and pain domain. There was a substantial improvement of the sexual function among women who had presented with cystocele. Desire and arousal improved significantly after surgery, very likely due to the improvement of self-esteem after surgery.
Highlights
Urinary incontinence is a common problem that can affect the quality of life of women of all ages and can negatively influence the exercise of sexuality
We found that women with cystocele had a significantly greater improvement in the discomfort and pain domain of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) after surgery, which is in agreement with the results reported by Roovers et al We believe that self-esteem improves after cystocele repair
We can see that there was no statistically significant improvement in overall sexual function; but when assessing individual domains, we can see an improvement of discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse despite of technique used
Summary
Urinary incontinence is a common problem that can affect the quality of life of women of all ages and can negatively influence the exercise of sexuality. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare sexual function of women before and after surgical treatment for urinary incontinence. Method: The sample consisted of 38 women with urinary incontinence and surgical treatment (Burch or Sling procedure). The desire and arousal domains improved significantly after surgery for all women included in the study. Conclusions: In our sample, in general, sexual function improved after surgical treatment of urinary incontinence, regardless of technique used, in the discounter and pain domain. Studies showed that the risk factors for UI have already been established: number of births, obesity, other urinary symptoms and functional compromise. These factors may change with age [4] [5]. Results showed that the sling procedure was more successful [6]
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