Do vaginal sling procedures also improve sexual function?

This study examined the effects of vaginal sling procedures on sexual function in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Researchers reported an overall positive effect of vaginal sling procedures on sexual function.

SUI can lead to bothersome symptoms that can significantly affect quality of life. Some women also experience a negative effect on sexual function.

Vaginal sling procedures are the most common type of surgery for stress urinary incontinence. They involve the placement of a thin mesh tape to lift the urethra to its normal position. The mesh tape can be placed via incision through the abdomen (retropubic) or the thighs (transobturator).

Some studies have suggested a beneficial effect of vaginal slings on sexual function. However, evidence to this effect is mixed, with other studies reporting no improvement in sexual function after a vaginal sling procedure.

The results of a study involving women undergoing a vaginal sling procedure for SUI were re-analyzed to assess the effects on sexual function. Information on sexual function was available for 293 of these women. Sexual function was measured with a questionnaire before and 12 months after surgery.

86% of women were sexually active before the surgery. At 12 months, 83% of women were sexually active. Women considered cured after surgery were significantly more sexually active (86.3%) compared to non-cured patients (67.3%). The satisfaction of sexually active women significantly increased after surgery, from 73.6% to 80.1%.

Urinary incontinence during sexual intercourse was significantly reduced, from 51% of women before surgery to 7% of women after surgery. This was over two times greater when retropubic vaginal slings were used compared to transobturator slings. A decrease in painful sexual intercourse was observed in 6.3% of women. However, 8.8% of women developed painful sexual intercourse after surgery.

Researchers concluded that vaginal sling procedures had a positive effect on sexual function in women with SUI.