Tamer Topaloglu, Cansu Önal Kanbaş, Murat Api
Southern Clinics of Istanbul Eurasia - 2025;36(4):397-401
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of transobturator tape (TOT) and transvaginal tape-obturator (TVT -O) midurethral sling surgeries on sexual function, in addition to their efficacy in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), in pre-menopausal sexually active women. Methods: This prospective, comparative, and observational study was conducted between 2020 and 2022 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital. A total of 290 premenopausal, sexually active women diagnosed with SUI and treated with TOT or TVT -O surgery were included. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was administered preoperatively and at the 6th and 12th postoperative months. The results were compared with a control group consisting of 70 healthy women without urinary incontinence. Results: Following TOT and TVT -O surgeries, significant increases were observed in FSFI total scores and all subdomains (p<0.0001). The most prominent improvements were noted in the satisfaction, orgasm, and pain domains. At the 12-month follow-up, the mean FSFI score of the intervention group was statistically comparable to that of the control group (p=0.34). Additionally, 91.4% of the patients reported an improvement in sexual function. Dyspareunia was observed in only 5.8% of the participants and was mostly attributed to physical or psychological factors. Conclusion: Midurethral sling surgeries (TOT and TVT -O) not only effectively resolve urinary incontinence complaints but also contribute to the improvement of sexual function in premenopausal sexually active women. The observed positive outcomes are influenced by a combination of physiological, psychological, and relational factors. Therefore, a comprehensive and multidimensional approach should be adopted in the evaluation and follow-up of patients.
