Body image and sexuality in women with pelvic organ prolapse.

INTRODUCTION

The effect of physical changes associated with pelvic organ prolapse on a woman's body image and how that may influence sexuality has not been well studied.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to assess the implementation and utility of a body image questionnaire in women with pelvic organ prolapse. Two research questions were asked: (1) What is the impact of pelvic organ prolapse on women's body image and how does this affect their sexual health?, and (2) Does the Vaginal Changes Sexual and Body Esteem (VSBE) Scale show utility for use in assessing body image and sexual health in women with pelvic organ prolapse?

METHOD: A qualitative design was used for this study. Telephone interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire and an adapted body image and sexuality questionnaire specific to genital body image.

RESULTS

Thirteen women with pelvic organ prolapse completed the study. Eight women were classified as sexually active, and 5 women were not sexually active. Data showed women with pelvic organ prolapse, classified as sexually active, scored significantly lower on the VSBE scale than women who were not sexually active. There was a positive correlation between severity of prolapse and VSBE scores.

CONCLUSION

The VSBE scale questionnaire showed utility and potential for demonstrating change in body image in women with pelvic organ prolapse. This tool may assist clinicians in a more thorough assessment of body image and sexuality in this population of women.