Sexual function after using tension-free vaginal tape for the surgical treatment of genuine stress incontinence

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the use of the tension-free vaginal polypropylene tape (TVT) procedure for the treatment of genuine stress incontinence (GSI) affects sexual activity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-seven women treated by insertion of a TVT between September 1998 and March 2001 for GSI were sent questionnaires 6-36 months after surgery to determine any urinary symptoms, sexual activity, patient satisfaction and the use of hormone-replacement therapy. RESULTS: The questionnaire was returned by 57 patients (87%); 43 (76%) reported being sexually active and 14 (25%) were not. Of the former, 31 (72%) reported no change in sexual function after surgery and only two reported an improvement; six (14%) reported that sexual function was worse and four did not reply to the questions. The patients reporting that sexual function was worse cited loss of libido as the main reason. No patients complained of dyspareunia. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant change in sexual function or activity after the TVT procedure and patients can thus be reassured that this operation will not affect their sex life.