Women's Experience of Their First Sexual Encounter After Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery

 


This qualitative study recruited women who planned to undergo POP or UI surgery and who identified themselves as sexually active. Routine consultations on restorative activities will be provided 4 to 6 weeks after the operation. Participants completed the interview 2 to 4 months after the operation. The interview is recorded, identified and transcribed.Two independent researchers coded transcripts for the main topics; differences were arbitrated by the investigation team. Use Dedoose software for analysis. Twenty patients with an average age of 52.4 years participated in the study. The majority claimed to be white (85%), a quarter had a history of hysterectomy, and 15% had undergone previous pelvic reconstruction surgery. Nineteen (95%) patients resumed sexual intercourse 2-4 months after surgery. Major themes such as external influences, conflicting emotions, uncertainty, sexual change and stability, normalization, and self-image have reached thematic saturation. The moment of first contact is strongly influenced by the desire and fear of the couple and the doctor's consultation. The fear of destructive repair affects the comfort of the patient's recovery activities. Although they are not sure how changes in anatomical structure or the presence of mesh will affect function, women want these changes to be positive regardless of preoperative sexual function. Some women find that their experience has not changed, while others report the need to change their sexual posture, use lubricants, and feel foreign bodies. Positive changes include increased desire, pleasure, and orgasm. Self-image generally improved after surgery, which increased women's sexual confidence. Resuming sexual activity after POP or UI surgery is a huge unknown for many women. Reports of first sexual activity after surgery are usually positive, and the time of first sexual contact after surgery is strongly influenced by clinicians. Frankly consulting patients and their partners about the effects of repair on sexual activity may improve the patient’s prognosis.

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