Sexual function in women after vaginal surgery with synthetic mesh material

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively assess the impact of surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) with vaginal synthetic mesh on female sexual function and satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four women treated by vaginal surgery for SUI and POP between October 2009 and October 2011 were asked to fill in questionnaires at baseline and at six months after surgery to determine the impact on their sexual function and satisfaction. The questionnaires used for assessment were the 19-item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Dutch Seksueel Functioneren Algemeen (General sexual function) or SFA-questionnaire. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 27 patients (61.4%) at baseline; Nineteen reported being sexually active and eight were not. At six months follow-up, the questionnaire was returned by eight patients. In the studied population, an overall improvement of sexual function at six months follow-up was found. All six FSFI-domains: desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain seemed to slightly improve. CONCLUSION: The authors found that there was an overall improvement of sexual function after vaginal surgery with synthetic mesh for POP and SUI.