Sexuality in women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome

Abstract

Objective: Evaluation of the quality of sexual life of women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKHS) after neovagina creation using dilation and surgical techniques.

Methods: Literature search of articles published in the years 2000–2021 using the databases Web of Science, Google Scholar and PubMed by key words: Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome, neovagina, female sexuality and Female Sexual Function Index. We used a standardized international Female Sexual Function Index and other quantitative and qualitative parameters of sexual satisfaction to assess sexual function and overall satisfaction in women with neovagina.

Results: It is possible to develop functional neovagina in women with MRKHS by either conservative or surgical techniques. The choice of the method used depends on the experience and skill of the surgeon, on the technical possibilities and equipment of the department, and on the anatomical predispositions and preferences of the patient. Satisfaction with sexual life also depends on the psychosexual maturity and sexual demands of both partners as well as on regular vaginal rehabilitation and quality of long-term psychological support. The functional results of dilation and surgical methods are comparable according to objective criteria. They only differ in individual aspects which correspond to the overall personality traits as well as to the character and quality of cohabitation.

Conclusion: Women with MRKHS are primarily handicapped by coital insufficiency and inability to reproduce naturally. Creating a neovagina technically allows them to realize satisfactory coitus, but in most cases, they are still frustrated by the primary problem of „physical indisposition“ and complicated path to motherhood.

Keywords: Female Sexual Function Index; Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome; female sexuality; neovagina.