Effects of feminizing reconstructive surgery on sexual function and genital sensitivity in patients with female pseudohermaphroditism versus healthy control.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect on sexual function and genital sensitivity of adult female pseudohermaphroditism patients received feminizing reconstructive surgical treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 32 female pseudohermaphroditism patients and 10 healthy women were in enrolled in this study. All patients underwent feminizing reconstructive surgical procedures in adulthood. Sensitivity thresholds for clitoris and upper vagina were tested using a Genito Sensory Analyzer, and sexual function was assessed using a standardized measure simultaneously.

RESULTS

In those patients who underwent surgical procedures, there was a mild impairment to sensitivity in the clitoris compared to healthy controls. The sensitivity thresholds in the upper vagina also did not differ significantly between the two groups. No significant difference of sexual function was observed on these adult female pseudohermaphroditism patients compared to those healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery may lead to mild decreased sensitivity of clitoris, but did not cause sexual dysfunction in adult female pseudohermaphroditism patients.