Effect on Sexual Function of Patients and Patients' Spouses After Midurethral Sling Procedure for Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Prospective Single Center Study.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect on sexual function of patients and their spouses after transobturator tape (TOT) procedure, prospectively. Midurethral sling procedure has been widely performed for treatment of urinary incontinence; however, little has been reported regarding sexual function after surgery.

METHODS

Between September 2012 and June 2013, 65 patients undergoing TOT and their sexual partners were enrolled. An investigation was conducted using validated, self-administered questionnaires, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and satisfaction domain on Male Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ) for evaluation of couple's sexual function. They completed the research on preoperative and postoperative visits at 3, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS

Of 65 couples, 56 couples completed this study. The mean age of patients and their partners were 46.7 ± 5.7 and 49.1 ± 6.2 years, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 16.5 ± 2.9 months. A significant loss of total FSFI score was observed at postoperative 3 months (P = 0.003), which was regained after postoperative 6 months. In comparison with baseline and postoperative 12 months, total FSFI score showed significant improvement (P < 0.001). There were significant improvements in desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction on FSFI domain (P = 0.018, 0.012, 0.014, and 0.008, respectively). In male counterparts, significant improvements were observed in MSHQ satisfaction domain regarding sexual relationship, quality of sex life, partner's affection during sex, and communication about sex (P = 0.007, <0.001, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Improvement of incontinence by TOT can improve not only female sexual function but also sexual satisfaction of partners.