Sexual function and female radical cystectomy: a case series.

We interviewed 9 sexually active women about sexual function before and after radical cystectomy. Of the women 6 also had received preoperative irradiation. Seven women resumed sexual activity. All subjects experienced dyspareunia on initial attempts but 6 had overcome the pain at followup 6 to 37 months postoperatively. These women were coitally orgasmic and reported no decrease in pleasure or change in the type of sexual stimulation required to produce orgasm. The results provide knowledge about the physiology of female orgasm and a basis for counseling patients.