Sexual function in older women with pelvic floor symptoms: a cross-sectional study in general practice

Abstract

BackgroundPelvic floor symptoms are common and are negatively associated with sexual function which, in turn, is an important aspect of quality of life. The majority of older women with pelvic floor symptoms are treated in general practice but evidence from studies in general practice on the sexual functioning of these women is scarce. AimThis study examined predictors of sexual inactivity in older women with pelvic floor symptoms in general practice and of sexual functioning in those women who are sexually active. Design and settingCross-sectional study in women (aged ≥55 years) from 20 general practices who screened positive on a pelvic floor symptom questionnaire. MethodLogistic and linear regression analyses were used to determine predictors of sexual inactivity and sexual functioning (PISQ-12) by assessing their association with patient characteristics, symptoms (PFDI-20) and degree of prolapse (POP-Q). ResultsA total of 639 women were included (sexually active n = 393, sexually inactive n = 246). Predictors of sexual inactivity were increasing age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10 to 1.17) and lower education (OR = 2.31; 95% CI = 1.50 to 3.54; Nagelkerke R 2 = 0.208). In sexually active women, sexual functioning was associated with pelvic floor symptom distress (P<0.001) and pelvic floor surgery (P = 0.018; R 2 = 0.138). ConclusionIn older women with pelvic floor symptoms, increasing age and lower educational level are predictors of sexual inactivity. Many of these older women are sexually active and pelvic floor symptom distress is negatively associated with sexual functioning. These results may encourage GPs to ask about sexual problems in women with pelvic floor symptoms.

Analysis of changes in sexual function in women undergoing pelvic organ prolapse repair with abdominal or vaginal approaches

“…Changes in sexual function cannot be evaluated independently of changes in pelvic floor symptoms as it is well known that bowel/bladder symptoms impair sexual function [24,25]. A Cochrane review of prolapse repair found improved pelvic floor symptoms in 14 trials that used validated pelvic floor questionnaires [26].…”

Sexual functioning before and after vaginal hysterectomy to treat pelvic organ prolapse and the effects of vaginal cuff closure techniques: a prospective randomised study

“…Panman et al [10] found that increasing age and a lower educational level were predictors of sexual inactivity, whereas pelvic floor symptoms and prolapse were not. In contrast, most women in both of our groups enjoyed better sexual functioning after VH to treat POP.…”

Pelvic Floor Support

“…A strong pelvic floor is associated with higher rates of sexual activity as well as higher sexual function scores [31]. In sexually active women, poorer sexual functioning was associated with more symptom distress and with pelvic floor surgery [32].…”