Sexual function in women with genital prolapse: A prospective comparative study

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Abstract

Background. Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) significantly reduces quality of life, including sexual function. Despite the high prevalence (up to 50% of women over 40 years of age), the effect of POP on intimate health has not been sufficiently studied.

Aim. To assess sexual function in women with genital prolapse using a validated FSFI questionnaire.

Materials and methods. A prospective comparative study was conducted with 170 females; however, 53% (n = 90) refused to complete the FSFI questionnaire and did not sign the informed consent form. The test group included 40 patients with POP; the control group included 40 females without POP (groups were comparable in age; p > 0.05). The prospective sample study is ongoing, and this paper presents interim results. Sexual function was assessed using the FSFI self-administered questionnaire (19 questions, 6 domains). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 and R 4.2.0 (t-test, p < 0.05).

Results. Total FSFI score in the test group was lower by 11.35 points [19.05 vs. 30.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) (-12.94; -9.76); p < 0.05]. Key domain deficits included orgasm (53% decrease [Δ = -2.77, 95% CI (-3.25; -2.29); p < 0.05]); pain (44% increase in symptoms [Δ = -2.26; 95% CI (-2.68; -1.84); p < 0.05]); lubrication (45% decrease [Δ = -2.19, 95% CI (-2.55; -1.83); p < 0.05]), and arousal (48% decrease [Δ = -1.76; 95% CI (-2.10; -1.42); p < 0.05]). The following barriers were observed during the study: 68.3% of women with POP refused to be surveyed (the “stigma paradox”).

Conclusion. POP is associated with critical impairment of sexual function, especially in the domains of orgasm, pain, arousal, and lubrication. The results of the study justify the need to include the assessment of sexual function in the standard of POP diagnostics, the development of rehabilitation programs that combine surgical correction and restoration of intimate health, and the introduction of anonymous questionnaire methods with the participation of psychologists to overcome stigma.

About the authors

Mekan R. Orazov

Peoples' Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba

Author for correspondence.
Email: omekan@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-5342-8129

D. Sci. (Med.)

Russian Federation, Moscow

Viktor E. Radzinsky

Peoples' Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba

Email: omekan@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-4956-0466

D. Sci. (Med.), Prof., Acad. RAS

Russian Federation, Moscow

Farida F. Minnullina

Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University; Sadykov City Clinical Hospital No. 7

Email: omekan@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-8270-085X

Cand. Sci. (Med.)

Russian Federation, Kazan; Kazan

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