Pelvic organ prolapse and sexual function

Postoperative sexual function is most often unchanged or improved after treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. Nevertheless, some women experience sexual disorders and/or de novo dyspareunia after repair. Patient counselling is emerging as an important step before surgical prolapse repair. Sexual dysfunction is one of the symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) that motivates women to seek medical help. Women with POP are likely to restrict sexual activity owing to a perceived of loss of attractiveness and fear of incontinence. Conservative (pelvic floor muscles training or pessary) or surgical management (transabdominally or transvaginally) can be offered to treat POP but questions remain regarding sexual outcome. Despite the usual improvement in sexual function after surgery, a risk of de novo dyspareunia exists irrespective of the procedure used with slightly increased risk after transvaginal repair. Preoperative patient counselling, ideally with a cross-disciplinary approach is an important part of management of POP.