Risa Am Lonnée-Hoffmann1, Oyvind Salvesen2, Siv Mørkved3, Berit Schei4. 1. Department of Gynecology, St Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway risa.lonnee-hoffmann@ntnu.no. 2. Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway. 3. Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway Clinical Services, St Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway. 4. Department of Gynecology, St Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine if sexual function of male partners changed after surgery for pelvic floor disorders and to explore associated factors. STUDY DESIGN: This was an observational follow-up study at the Gynecological Department at the St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim. The sample consisted of 35 male partners of women scheduled for pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence surgery. Self-administered questionnaires, containing validated instruments as well as exploratory questions, were sent to women and their partners before and one year after pelvic floor surgery. Vaginal dimensions were measured in all women according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System, both before and after the surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Brief Sexual Function Instrument and the presence of erectile dysfunction. RESULTS: One year after pelvic floor surgery, scores for sexual drive, erection and overall satisfaction from the Brief Sexual Function Instrument were unchanged; the ejaculation score (range 0-4) had mildly improved from a range of 4 (median 4) to a range of 3.5 (median 4), (p = 0.014). The proportion of men with erectile dysfunction was unchanged, while the proportion of men reporting vaginal wind had significantly decreased (p = 0.016). None of the baseline factors, subjective experiences or vaginal dimensions at baseline or follow-up were associated with the improved ejaculation score; only a reduction in the proportion of men reporting their partners with dyspareunia (ns) was significantly correlated (Spearman's rho 0.42, p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: Sexual function of male partners was unchanged or mildly improved after pelvic floor surgery.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine if sexual function of male partners changed after surgery for pelvic floor disorders and to explore associated factors. STUDY DESIGN: This was an observational follow-up study at the Gynecological Department at the St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim. The sample consisted of 35 male partners of women scheduled for pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence surgery. Self-administered questionnaires, containing validated instruments as well as exploratory questions, were sent to women and their partners before and one year after pelvic floor surgery. Vaginal dimensions were measured in all women according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System, both before and after the surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Brief Sexual Function Instrument and the presence of erectile dysfunction. RESULTS: One year after pelvic floor surgery, scores for sexual drive, erection and overall satisfaction from the Brief Sexual Function Instrument were unchanged; the ejaculation score (range 0-4) had mildly improved from a range of 4 (median 4) to a range of 3.5 (median 4), (p = 0.014). The proportion of men with erectile dysfunction was unchanged, while the proportion of men reporting vaginal wind had significantly decreased (p = 0.016). None of the baseline factors, subjective experiences or vaginal dimensions at baseline or follow-up were associated with the improved ejaculation score; only a reduction in the proportion of men reporting their partners with dyspareunia (ns) was significantly correlated (Spearman's rho 0.42, p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: Sexual function of male partners was unchanged or mildly improved after pelvic floor surgery.