Does Significant Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery Affect Sexual Function and Urinary Symptoms? An Iranian Study

Abstract

Introduction: For sexual dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), obesity is identified as an independent risk factor. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of significant rapid weight loss by bariatric surgery on LUTS and sexual function among men and women with class III obesity.

Method: A group of patients who were planned to undergo bariatric surgery was enrolled in the study. Male patients were given the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaires. In the female group, they filled in the female sexual function index (FSFI) and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire short form (ICIQ-SF) questionnaires. Patients were followed up 1 year after their bariatric surgery.

Results: All questionnaires were completed by eighty-one patients. (mean age ± SD: 39.4 ± 9.2 years; mean body mass index (BMI) ± SD: 47.15 ± 5.4 kg/m²). The total score of the IPSS questionnaire decreased from 5.83 ± 3.01 preoperatively to 2.37 ± 1.66 postoperatively. The weight loss caused significant improvement in the storage phase of LUTS domains, but there were no considerable changes in the voiding phase. In the IIEF questionnaire, domains of sexual desire, overall satisfaction, and orgasmic function improved significantly. There was not a significant change in any FSFI domains after bariatric surgery. Mean ICIQ-SF decreased, but it was not substantial.

Conclusion: Bariatric surgery can significantly improve the storage phase in men, but not the voiding phase. Sexual desire, orgasmic function, and overall satisfaction were significantly improved in men. No significant improvement in sexual function and UI in women was observed.

Keywords: Bariatric surgery; FSFI; ICIQ; IIEF; IPSS; LUTS; Lower urinary tract syndrome; Sexual activity; Sexual dysfunction; Urinary incontinency.