Prolapse and sexual function

Author(s): S. Jha & P. Toozs-Hobson - Pages: 20–26

Abstract

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common medical problem in parous women that becomes particularly acute with advancing age. As life expectancy increases, this condition is acquiring greater significance: 20% of women on gynaecology waiting lists in the UK are awaiting prolapse surgery, which demonstrates the enormity of this virtual pandemic. Prolapse usually refers to a combination of deficiencies of the support mechanisms of the vaginal wall, and symptoms vary depending on the organs affected. Accurate diagnosis requires a careful and complete physical examination. The literature review presented in this paper revealed conflicting results regarding the impact of prolapse on sexual function. The authors also discuss the pathophysiology of prolapse and the effects of different forms of treatment, both conservative and surgical, on sexual function, as well as the debates surrounding some of the current forms of treatment that are available.

Keywords: pessary, physiotherapy, prolapse, sexual function, surgery.