Sexual function after tension-free vaginal tape procedure.

INTRODUCTION

Aim of this cross-sectional study was to analyze the sexual function of women after tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

To evaluate the female sexual function after the TVT procedure, we designed a 36-item questionnaire including 21 questions on incontinence, 15 questions on sexuality and 3 questions on the personal impression of the procedure. Diagnostic workup consisted of a detailed medical history, urinalysis, postvoid residual urine volume assessment, ultrasound of the kidney and a urodynamic study.

RESULTS

Fifty-two women completed the entire questionnaire. Overall, 82.7% of the women were satisfied with the TVT procedure. A proportion of 74.0% indicated that they became totally continent after the operation. One third of the sexually active women reported an improvement of their sexual life after TVT, 14.3% a worsening, and 52.4% reported no change. Deterioration of sexual function was significantly associated with de novo urge, dyspareunia and sensation of postvoid residual urine volume.

CONCLUSION

In summary, our investigations showed that the influence of the TVT procedure on female sexual function is evident, but of low impact, and in general will not be of relevance.