Maintaining sexual function after pelvic floor surgery

Abstract

Sexual dysfunction in women with prolapse and incontinence is well documented in the literature, but the impact of treatment, particularly surgical correction, remains very limited and confusing. Age, on the other hand, has been shown to be an independent risk factor for deteriorating sexual function, with all aspects of the sexual function (i.e. desire, arousal, penetration, and orgasm) being affected. When combined with surgical correction of prolapse or incontinence there is potential for further worsening of sexual function, and hence this should be assessed before any pelvic floor surgery and patient expectations established. In this article the current evidence will be reviewed looking at the impact of pelvic floor dysfunction on sexual function and the effect of commonly performed surgery for these problems. Ways and means of preserving sexual function in women undergoing corrective surgery will also be investigated.

摘要

文献报道性功能障碍在脱垂及失禁的女性患者中发病率很高, 但是对于治疗的影响, 特别是手术治疗脱垂或失禁后, 其数据仍然非常有限, 且结果令人困惑。另一方面, 年龄已被证明是性功能恶化的一个独立危险因素, 性功能的所有方面（即性欲、觉醒、渗透和高潮）都受到影响。当合并手术治疗脱垂或尿失禁, 患者的性功能有可能进一步恶化, 因此应该在所有盆底手术之前评估性功能, 同时建立病人的合理期望值。在这篇文章中, 我们将回顾目前的证据, 探讨盆底功能障碍对性功能的影响、对这些问题的常见手术的效果及如何保护接受手术治疗的妇女的性功能。

Keywords:

• Sexual function
• female sexual dysfunction
• pelvic floor dysfunction
• pelvic organ prolapse
• urinary incontinence
• pelvic floor surgery

Conflict of interest

None relevant to this publication.

Source of funding

Nil.