ORIGINAL RESEARCH—EPIDEMIOLOGY & RISK FACTORS

Sexual Activity and Vaginal Topography in Women with Symptomatic Pelvic Floor Disorders

Corresponding Author

Autumn L. Edenfield MD

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA

Corresponding Author: Autumn L. Edenfield, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. Tel: (843)7924500; Fax: (843)8762016; E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]Search for more papers by this author

Pamela J. Levin MD,

Pamela J. Levin MD

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

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Alexis A. Dieter MD,

Alexis A. Dieter MD

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA

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Cindy L. Amundsen MD,

Cindy L. Amundsen MD

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA

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Nazema Y. Siddiqui MD, MHSc,

Nazema Y. Siddiqui MD, MHSc

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA

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Autumn L. Edenfield MD,

Corresponding Author

Autumn L. Edenfield MD

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA

Pamela J. Levin MD,

Pamela J. Levin MD

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

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Alexis A. Dieter MD,

Alexis A. Dieter MD

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA

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Cindy L. Amundsen MD,

Cindy L. Amundsen MD

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA

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Nazema Y. Siddiqui MD, MHSc,

Nazema Y. Siddiqui MD, MHSc

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA

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First published: 08 October 2014

https://doi.org/10.1111/jsm.12716

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Abstract

Introduction

Pelvic floor disorders affect vaginal anatomy and may affect sexual function.

Aims

The aims of this study were to explore the relationship between vaginal anatomy and sexual activity in women with symptomatic pelvic floor disorders and to assess whether vaginal measurements (topography) correlate with sexual function.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study comparing sexually active and nonsexually active women planning urogynecologic surgery. Our primary outcome was the difference in vaginal topography based on Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) exam between cohorts. Correlations between POP-Q measurements and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire short form (PISQ-12) scores were assessed in sexually active women.

Main Outcome Measure

The POP-Q is a quantitative and standardized examination for prolapse. The PISQ-12 is a condition-specific sexual function questionnaire validated in sexually active women with pelvic floor disorders.

Results

Of 535 women, 208 (39%) were sexually active and 327 (61%) were not. Median genital hiatus (GH) and perineal body (PB) measurements and a PB : GH ratio were not significantly different between the two cohorts. Total vaginal length (TVL) was longer in sexually active women (median 9 vs. 8 cm, P < 0.001). In a linear regression analysis controlling for potential confounders, sexually active women still had a longer TVL by 0.4 cm (95% confidence interval 0.07, 0.6 cm) compared with those who were not sexually active. Of the 327 nonsexually active women, 28% indicated they avoided sexual activity because of pelvic floor symptoms. There was poor correlation between TVL, GH, PB, and PB : GH ratio with PISQ-12 scores (r = 0.10, −0.05, −0.09, −0.03, respectively).

Conclusions

In women with pelvic floor disorders, sexual activity is associated with a longer vaginal length. One-quarter of women indicated they avoided sexual activity because of pelvic floor symptoms. Vaginal topography does not correlate with sexual function based on PISQ-12 scores. Edenfield AL, Levin PJ, Dieter AA, Amundsen CL, and Siddiqui NY. Sexual activity and vaginal topography in women with symptomatic pelvic floor disorders. J Sex Med 2015;12::416–423.

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Volume12, Issue2

February 2015

Pages 416-423

Sexual Activity and Vaginal Topography in Women with Symptomatic Pelvic Floor Disorders

Abstract

Introduction

Aims

Methods

Main Outcome Measure

Results

Conclusions

References

References

Information

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Sexual Activity and Vaginal Topography in Women with Symptomatic Pelvic Floor Disorders

Abstract

Introduction

Aims

Methods

Main Outcome Measure

Results

Conclusions

References

References

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