Sexual function in women following the transvaginal tension-free tape procedure for incontinence

Berthier, Aurélien; Sentilhes, Loïc; Taibi, Salima; Loisel, Cécile; Grise, Philippe; Marpeau, Loïc

doi:10.1016/j.ijgo.2008.02.015

« Previous Next »International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics
Volume 102, Issue 2 , Pages 105-109, August 2008

Sexual function in women following the transvaginal tension-free tape procedure for incontinence

Aurélien Berthier
- Department of Gynecology, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
Loïc Sentilhes
- Department of Gynecology, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Angers University Hospital, Angers France
- Corresponding author. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pavillon Mère-Enfant, Rouen University Hospital – Charles Nicolle, 1, rue de Germont, 76031 Rouen-Cedex, France. Tel.: +33 2 32 88 82 44; fax: +33 2 32 88 83 23.
Salima Taibi
- LAMSAD (ESITPA), Research Unit of Mathematics Raphaël Salem, Rouen University, France
Cécile Loisel
- Department of Gynecology, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
Philippe Grise
- Department of Urology, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
Loïc Marpeau
- Department of Gynecology, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France

Received 29 November 2007; received in revised form 7 February 2008; accepted 7 February 2008. published online 17 April 2008.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the impact of the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure on the sexual function of women who underwent this treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Method: The Lemack questionnaire was mailed to 135 women treated for SUI only, with no concomitant pelvic organ prolapse repair. Results: Of the 82 returned questionnaires (60.7%), 66 (80.5%) could be included in the analysis. Compared with preoperative responses, there were no significant postoperative changes regarding frequency of sexual intercourse, satisfaction with sexual intercourse, or personal importance of having an active sexual life. Although there was a significant postsurgical decrease in urinary coital incontinence (P=0.02) and 12 women (25.5%) reported improved satisfaction from intercourse, 11 women (23.4%) complained of a worsening. Conclusion: These results suggest that TVT for SUI does not significantly affect sexual function in women. Additional prospective studies are warranted to verify these preliminary findings and compare the impact of the TVT with that of other anti-incontinence procedures.