The impact of stress incontinence surgery on female sexual function.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to describe change in sexual function 2 years after surgery to treat stress urinary incontinence.

STUDY

DESIGN

This analysis included 655 women randomized to Burch colposuspension or sling surgery. Sexual activity was assessed by the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) among those sexually active at baseline and 2 years after surgery.

RESULTS

Mean PISQ-12 total score improved from baseline 32.23 +/- 6.85 to 36.85 +/- 5.89. After surgery, fewer subjects reported incontinence (9% vs 53%; P < .0001), restriction of sexual activity as a result of fear of incontinence (10% vs 52%; P < .0001), avoidance of intercourse because of vaginal bulging (3% vs 24%; P < .0001), or negative emotional reactions during sex (9% vs 35%; P < .0001). Women with successful surgery had greater improvement PISQ-12 scores (5.77 vs 3.79; P < .006). Sexually active women were younger, thinner, and had lower Medical, Epidemiological, and Social Aspects of Aging scores (total and urge subscale) than sexually inactive women.

CONCLUSION

Sexual function improves after successful surgery and does not differ between Burch and sling.