A Retrospective Case Series on Patient Satisfaction and Efficacy of Non-Surgical Lysis of Clitoral Adhesions.

Background: Clitoral adhesions are characterized by adherence of preputial tissue to the glans clitoris and can be managed using a non-surgical approach in order to relieve symptoms of sexual dysfunction.

Aim: To evaluate efficacy and patient satisfaction associated with the non-surgical lysis procedure in order to determine if it is an appropriate treatment for symptomatic clitoral adhesions.

Methods: The non-surgical lysis procedure is performed by using a fine Jacobsen mosquito forceps to separate the plane between the prepuce and the glans of the clitoris, removing smegma and/or keratin pearls from underneath the adhesions and allowing for visualization of the entire glans. A chart review of 61 women that were treated for clitoral adhesions using the non-surgical lysis procedure at 1 sexual medicine practice was performed and an online survey was sent to these patients.

Main Outcome Measures: Encrypted survey responses were used to evaluate patient satisfaction as well as self-reported improvement in sexual functioning and pain before and after the procedure.

Results: 41 survey responses were received out of 61 eligible (67% response rate). A large majority reported improvement in pain (76%), sexual arousal (63%), and ability to achieve orgasm (64%) and no participants reported worsening in these symptoms. Of the 16 women that reported the inability to orgasm from external clitoral stimulation prior to the procedure, 6 (38%) were able to do so afterwards. Seventy-one percent of respondents reported improvement in their satisfaction with sex and 83% reported being satisfied with their decision to have the procedure. Ninety-three percent of participants reported that they would recommend this procedure to a friend with clitoral adhesions.

Clinical Implications: The results of this study will help clinicians to recognize the non-surgical lysis procedure as a treatment option for clitoral adhesions.

Strengths & Limitations: This study is the first of its kind assessing a cohort of patients undergoing the non-surgical lysis procedure for clitoral adhesions. Its limitations include a small sample size from 1 clinic and lack of validated instrument to evaluate sexual function and pain before and after the procedure.

Conclusion: Providers should regularly examine the clitoris of patients with symptoms of sexual dysfunction in order to determine if they have clitoral adhesions. The non-surgical lysis procedure may be a viable therapeutic option for these patients that has demonstrated both satisfaction and symptom relief. Myers MC, Romanello JP, Nico E, et al. A Retrospective Case Series on Patient Satisfaction and Efficacy of Non-Surgical Lysis of Clitoral Adhesions. J Sex Med 2022;19:1412-1420.