Sexual activity and function in women more than 2 years after midurethral sling placement.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess prospectively the effects of midurethral sling surgery on sexual function and activity.

Study Design: Sexual activity and function was assessed in 597 women with stress urinary incontinence who were enrolled in a randomized equivalence trial of retropubic compared with transobturator midurethral slings. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to assess changes in Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire scores over a 2-year period.

Results: Significant, similar improvements in sexual function were seen in both midurethral sling groups. Mean Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire scores increased from 32.8 at baseline to 37.6 at 6 months and 37.3 at 24 months (P < .0001). Dyspareunia, incontinence during sex, and fear of incontinence during sex each significantly improved after surgery. Preoperative urge incontinence was associated with abstinence after surgery (P = .02); postoperative urge incontinence negatively impacted sexual function (P = .047).

Conclusion: Midurethral sling surgery for stress urinary incontinence significantly improves sexual function, although coexistent urge incontinence has a negative impact.