Introduction: The tension-free vaginal tape obturator (TVT-O) procedure is one of the most commonly used anti-incontinence surgeries, but little is known about its impact on sexual function.
Aim: To evaluate sexual function after the TVT-O procedure at 6 months postoperatively.
Methods: Fifty-six sexually active women who underwent the TVT-O procedure for severe stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were evaluated using the short form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) before and 6 months after surgery. The perception of incontinence-related quality-of-life were also evaluated by the short form of the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) to assess the effect of surgery on incontinence.
Main outcome measures: Total score and score for each PISQ-12 item.
Results: The mean total PISQ-12 score did not differ significantly before (24.0 + or - 12.2) and after (23.0 + or - 13.2) (P = 0.194) the TVT-O procedure. Scores for individual items on the PISQ-12 varied, with incontinence-related items improving but others, such as the frequency of achieving orgasm deteriorating for some women. The scores of UDI-6 and IIQ-7 were significantly improved by 6-month follow-up, indicating that the operation successfully resolved the incontinence.
Conclusion: Despite successful amelioration of SUI by the TVT-O procedure, sexual function does not necessarily improve in the first 6 months after surgery.