Sexuality and Psychosocial Functioning in Young Women After Colovaginoplasty

Abstract

We examined sexuality and psychosocial functioning in patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome who underwent colovaginoplasty. Patients who underwent colovaginoplasty for Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome in Italy and Bangladesh were required to meet certain criteria, including age greater than 18 years, college degree/high socioeconomic status, procedure done by the same surgical team and a minimum 6-year followup. Outcomes were evaluated by a retrospective chart review and an English version of the female sexual function index. Psychosocial functioning was measured by an English version of a 36-item survey, including the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Beck Depression Index and Cohen Test for Life Management ability with results compared to those in 30 healthy control subjects. Of 40 patients who answered the female sexual function index 37% were married and 12% had adopted children while 40% were sexually active, 100% were attracted to males and 7% were on self-dilation. None required pads and 80% used a home douche. Of the patients 92% reported sexual desire and 87% reported sexual arousal. Sexual confidence and satisfaction were reported by approximately 90% of the patients and partner satisfaction was considered adequate by 93%. Most patients reported satisfactory orgasm. Of the women 89% reported adequate lubrication and none reported dyspareunia. Psychosocial functioning was not statistically different between patients and controls. Based on the scoring system outcome colovaginoplasty seems to be an excellent choice to manage vaginal agenesis and ensure good quality of general and sexual life.