| BACKGROUND
Sexual dysfunction is a common problem in women with pelvic organ prolapse.
Sexual dysfunction affects their quality of life as well as sexual intercourse. Thus, the
present study aims at investigating the sexual function before and after pessary
placement in women suffering from pelvic floor disorders.
METHODS
The design of the present study was a before-after one. The present study was
conducted on 96 more than 50-year-old patients who had pelvic floor disorders and
were incapable of make sexual intercourses. The patients had already been referred
to Al-Zahra and Taleghani Hospitals in Tabriz between 2016 and 2018. The patients
had the indication of using a pessary. According to POP-Q system, the intensity of
prolapse was determined and pessary placement was conducted for them. For
investigating the sexual function, the researchers applied Pelvic Organ ProlapseUrinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire. For comparing the qualitative
variables, X2 test was used. Data analysis was conducted in SPSS-23. For describing
the research units, the researchers used mean, standard deviation, and frequency
distribution. In terms of the statistical significance, the p values were determined to
be less than 0.05.
RESULTS
As many as 27 patients (28.1%) suffered from apex prolapse. Moreover, 5 patients
(5.2%) suffered from anterior vaginal wall prolapse, 28 patients (29.2%) suffered
from both apexes prolapse and anterior vaginal wall prolapse, and 36 patients
(37.5%) suffered from apex prolapse and anterior and posterior vaginal wall
prolapse. In 84 patients (87.5%), the pessary was a ring, and in 12 patients (12.5),
the pessary was a Gelhorn. There is a significant relationship between the type of
pessary and the sexual function of patients with prolapse (p=0.006). None of the
patients attempted to pull out the pessary during their sexual intercourse.
CONCLUSIONS
Using pessary has no negative effect on the sexual intercourse. Even in some cases
pessary not only treats prolapse and urinary symptoms but also improves the
patient’s self-image; pessary can improve the sexual function. Moreover, there is a
significant relationship between the type of pessary and sexual satisfaction in
women suffering from pelvic floor disorders. |