Effect of Anterior/Posterior Colpoperineorrhaphy on Sexual Functions in Heterosexual Couples

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the sexual functions of heterosexual couples following anterior and posterior colpoperineorrhaphy with emphasis on sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain before and after the operation. Study Design: A Prospective Cohort Study. Setting and duration of study. Gynecology Department of Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad, Pakistan between January 2024 and June 2024. Methods: A prospective cohort study of 100 heterosexual couples was conducted where the females had anterior or posterior compartment defects (>1 cm) and colpoperineorrhaphy was performed after the baseline data. Female sexual functions via the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and male sexual functions via the International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) were assessed pre- and postoperatively. Statistical analyses were performed using paired t-test to determine mean difference in sexual function scores before and six months after surgery. Results: The mean ages of female patients and their spouses were 45.28±6.556 and 48.90±4.092 years respectively. The (baseline) mean IIEF-5 score for men improved from 17.72±3.939 (preoperatively) to 22.08±2.098 (postoperatively) significantly (p <0.001). There was a statistically significant improvement in all 6 areas of sexual function: desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm and satisfaction, as well as reduction in pain (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Both women and their male partners benefit from anterior and posterior colpoperineorrhaphy with regard to the improvement in sexual functions. These results support the necessity of attention to sexual health issues in treatment for POP. Future studies delineating long-term outcomes and anterior versus posterior repairs are required to provide better advice for our patients.