Sexual function in women following the transvaginal tension-free tape procedure for incontinence

Objective: To assess the impact of the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure on the sexual function of women who underwent this treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Method: The Lemack questionnaire was mailed to 135 women treated for SUI only, with no concomitant pelvic organ prolapse repair. Results: Of the 82 returned questionnaires (60.7%), 66 (80.5%) could be included in the analysis. Compared with preoperative responses, there were no significant postoperative changes regarding frequency of sexual intercourse, satisfaction with sexual intercourse, or personal importance of having an active sexual life. Although there was a significant postsurgical decrease in urinary coital incontinence (P = 0.02) and 12 women (25.5%) reported improved satisfaction from intercourse, 11 women (23.4%) complained of a worsening. Conclusion: These results suggest that TVT for SUI does not significantly affect sexual function in women. Additional prospective studies are warranted to verify these preliminary findings and compare the impact of the TVT with that of other anti-incontinence procedures.