Sexual function and quality of life after the creation of a neovagina in women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome: comparison of vaginal dilation and surgical procedures

Abstract

To compare sexual function and outcomes of quality of life of patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome after vaginal dilation and surgical procedures. Cross-sectional study from January 2019 to June2019. Tertiary teaching hospital. Women with MRKH syndrome treated with vaginal dilation (n = 88) or surgical procedures (n = 45). WeChat-based questionnaires were distributed to every group member in our MRKH support group. Sexual functional were assessed by means of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Outcomes of quality of life were assessed by means of the 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2 (WHODAS2). Vaginal length was defined as the maximum depth of the placement of the vaginal mold. The FSFI scores were similar between the dilation (24.49 ± 4.51) and surgery (23.79 ± 3.57) groups. Except for the higher orgasm score in the dilation group (9.96 ± 3.60 vs. 8.20 ± 2.67), the other dimensions of the FSFI were not significantly different between the groups. No significant differences were found in the WHODAS2 scores between the dilation group (median 8.33 [interquartile range 4.17-15.62]) and the surgery group (6.25 [2.08-14.58]). However, the vaginal length was significantly shorter in the dilation group (6.5 ± 2.04 cm) than in the surgery group (8.1 ± 1.59 cm). Although the vaginal length was shorter in the dilation therapy group than in the surgical therapy group, sexual function and quality of life were similar between these two groups. Vaginal dilation should be proposed as the first-line therapy for MRKH patients.