Effects of transobturator tape procedure on female sexual function at 2-year follow-up: A prospective cohort study with matched control group

Objectives We aimed to compare the effect of elapsed time on sexual function in women who underwent a transobturator tape (TOT) procedure for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with continent controls. Methods Urinary and sexual function of 70 females were assessed preoperatively at month 6 and postoperatively at month 24 in the study group. Forty-five patients without urinary incontinence and demographically matched with the study group were assessed for sexual function at first administration and 24 months later in the control group. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used. Results The baseline total FSFI score (23.4 +/- 3.2 vs 27.0 +/- 4.3, P < .001) was significantly lower in patients with SUI. There was a slight increase (24.0 +/- 3.0, P = .167) in sexual function at the end of 2 years in the study group, whereas in the control group, the total FSFI score (25.0 +/- 4.5, P < .001) decreased significantly within 2 years. The success of the incontinence surgery was associated with higher long-term sexual function scores. Conclusions Successful TOT surgery can improve sexual function in women with SUI. This improvement decreases less over time compared to healthy controls.