Sexual function specific questionnaires as a useful tool in management of urogynecological patients – Review

• Published in: European journal of obstetrics & gynecology and reproductive biology 2019-03, Vol.234, p.126-130
• Main Authors: Kamińska, Aleksandra, Futyma, Konrad, Romanek-Piva, Katarzyna, Streit-Ciećkiewicz, Dominika, Rechberger, Tomasz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Pelvic floor disorders; Quality of life; Questionnaires; Sexual function; Sexuality; Specific sexual function questionnaires
• ISSN: 0301-2115; 1872-7654
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2019.01.015

Urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse are one of the most prevalent gynaecological conditions and constitute a huge global problem affecting approximately 20% of women, increasing with age. Pelvic floor disorders can have negative influence on women’s quality of life, decreasing social, psychological, occupational, physical and sexual well-being. Pelvic organ prolapse results in anatomical changes to the urogenital tract and it is perceived to be one of the main factor influencing sexual function. Because treatment of pelvic organ prolapse and complications related to it may cause discomfort, the most important outcome of the therapy, including anatomical restoration, is relief in symptoms and improvement in quality of life. Psychometrical instruments for measuring health-related quality of life are essential during evaluation of women with pelvic floor disorders. Assessing severity of pelvic organ prolapse, its’ impact on quality of life, therapy planning and the inclusion of sexuality questionnaires as an outcome measure in urogynecological patients allows to analyze impact of surgical treatment on women’s sexual life. For this purpose, condition - specific instruments were developed and published. The aim of this study is to present particular questionnaires and their proper practical application in clinical practice, especially before surgical treatment and follow-up. Furthermore, those questionnaires are essential in order to describe patients’ expectations during tailored clinical management.