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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2009 May;200(5):562.e1-7.
doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2008.11.017. Epub 2009 Mar 16.

The impact of stress incontinence surgery on female sexual function

Linda Brubaker  1 , Seine Chiang, Halina Zyczynski, Peggy Norton, D Lynn Kalinoski, Anne Stoddard, John W Kusek, William Steers; Urinary Incontinence Treatment Network
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

The impact of stress incontinence surgery on female sexual function

Linda Brubaker et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2009 May.

Abstract

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.

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