Impact of pelvic floor disorders and prolapse on female sexual function and response

Pelvic floor disorders and FSD are prevalent and challenging problems. These disorders include prolapse of the uterus, cervix, vagina, bladder, and rectum and incontinence. These diseases likely affect women's sexual well-being through physical and emotional effects. Women with pelvic floor disorders often have co-existing urologic and sexual complaints. Patients who present with these urologic problems should be questioned about their sexual function. Surgical treatment in these patients may be curative of their sexual disorders (e.g., by repairing incontinence) but may also have undesired effects on sensation, blood flow, and the anatomy. These effects can affect sexual arousal and orgasm or cause dyspareunia. It is hoped that a better understanding of the anatomy of this area will guide us in a more targeted approach to management of these conditions.