Sexual Quality of Life after Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence with Adjustable Tension-Free Mesh System in Women Who Were Sexually Active Prior to Surgery

Abstract

To assess the sexuality and quality of life of sexually active women with stress or mixed urinary incontinence (SUI or MUI) after surgery with adjustable tension-free suburethral mesh system (transobturator adjustable tape or transvaginal adjustable tape). This intervention study with 2 years of follow-up (visits at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years) involved 60 women with SUI or MUI who underwent surgery using transobturator adjustable tape or transvaginal adjustable tape during 2008-2014 in a Spanish region. The variables of interest measured pre- and postintervention were the global scores on the following questionnaires: (1) the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12; (2) the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire; and (3) the Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire. Mixed linear models were constructed to determine the effect of the intervention on the outcome variables. Asignificant improvement (P <.001) was seen over time in all the questionnaires, although between the 1- and 2-year visits there was a slight deterioration in all of them. The technique provided an improved quality of life and sexuality, which was maintained at all the postoperative visits compared with baseline.