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Sexual function in patients presenting to a urogynecology practice

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate sexual function in women referred to a urogynecology practice. All new patients were mailed an optional female sexual function index (FSFI) in conjunction with their history forms; other sexual function information was obtained during the physician interview. Over 6 months, four hundred fifty new patients were enrolled. Of these, 243 (54%) were not sexually active. Reasons listed for sexual inactivity included partner problems/no partner (32%), low desire (14%), prolapse (10%), and pain (10%). There were several differences between sexually active and non-sexually active participants; however, after a multivariate analysis, only age, marital status, and stage/grade 1–2 of prolapse remained significant. One hundred nine sexually active patients completed the FSFI; the majority was sexually active two to four times per month. Female sexual dysfunction was noted in 70 (64%) patients. Lowest scores were noted for the domain of desire, followed by arousal, orgasm, lubrication, satisfaction, and pain. Reduced frequency of intercourse was the only factor significantly associated with dysfunction. Ninety-four percent were not embarrassed by the survey. Overall, sexual inactivity is common in patients presenting for urogynecologic care. Those that are sexually active report low rates of sexual activity and high rates of sexual dysfunction. Most sexually active patients will accept a sexual function questionnaire as part of their routine assessment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Good Samaritan Hospital, 375 Dixmyth Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45220, USA

    Rachel N. Pauls, Steven D. Kleeman & Mickey M. Karram

  2. Center for Urogynecology of Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Suite 401, East Wing, Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, NJ, 07039, USA

    Jeffrey L. Segal

  3. Pacific Northwest Urogynecology, PLLC, 34503 9th Ave S. Suite 330, Federal Way, WA, 98003, USA

    W. Andre Silva

Authors
  1. Rachel N. Pauls
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  2. Jeffrey L. Segal
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  3. W. Andre Silva
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  4. Steven D. Kleeman
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  5. Mickey M. Karram
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Rachel N. Pauls.

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Pauls, R.N., Segal, J.L., Silva, W.A. et al. Sexual function in patients presenting to a urogynecology practice. Int Urogynecol J 17, 576–580 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-006-0070-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-006-0070-5

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