Gynecological and psycho-sexual aspects of women with history of anorectal malformations

Purpose Women with anorectal malformation (ARM) are expected to have a normal life span, therefore, gynecological and psycho-sexual issues are also important. Aim of the study was to assess these aspects in adult females with history of ARM. Methods Thirty-seven women from two ARM referral centers, aged >= 16, were identified. Gynecologic visit, cervicovaginal swab, pelvic ultrasound, FSH, LH, prolactin, progesterone, 17-beta-estradiol, DHEAS, testosterone, TSH during follicular and luteal phases, and administration of FSFI questionnaire to screen the female sexual functioning were performed. Data were compared with six controls. Results Nineteen patients, mean age 21.7 (16-45), participated to the study. Associated anomalies, mostly affecting limbs, vertebrae and genitalia, were present in 57.8% of cases. Mullerian anomalies were retrieved in 36.8%. Hormones' levels were normal. Concerning sexual functioning, four women (21%) reported dyspareunia or impossible penetration, four did not answer the FSFI questionnaire due to lack of confidence about their sexuality, and three scored lower than the cut-off value for female sexual function. Conclusion This study confirms the importance of a multidisciplinary long-term follow-up for ARM patients, including a careful study of the reproductive tract to detect and treat those conditions that could affect the fertility. Moreover, an appropriate psychological support should be provided.