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Background: Many women suffer from sexual problems after anal sphincter tears due to obstetric trauma. Aim: The study aimed to assess changes in sexual function after anal sphincter repair. Methods: The study was a non-randomized prospective observational cohort study. Inclusion of the study was done at the University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden, between 2002 and 2007. Thirty-nine consecutive female patients admitted for anal sphincter repair were invited to the study. Twenty patients accepted and were included, four were lost to follow up and one was unevaluable (due to the formation of a stoma) leaving a study group of 15 patients. The patients were assessed with questionnaires before surgery and at three and 12 months after surgery. Outcomes: Change in reported sexual activity and dyspareunia. Results: Before surgery, 12/15 patients reported that their sexual life was impaired due to anal incontinence. The corresponding figure at 12 months was 9/15 (p = 0.43). Three patients remained sexually inactive throughout the study, five patients increased their sexual activity and one had decreased activity. Out of the 12 who were active, four stated dyspareunia at baseline, and only one reported dyspareunia at 12 months. The mean Miller incontinence scores at baseline and 12 months were 10.1 and 8.7, respectively. The change in incontinence score did not differ between those with decreased, stable or increased sexual activity. However, there was a definite correlation (r = 0.54 - 0.60, p < 0.05) between change in sexual function and deferring time for stool. Clinical Implications: Operative management of anal sphincter tears alone is not curative for sexual problems due to anal incontinence but can be a part of the treatment. Strengths and Limitations: The study is a prospective study of sexual function. The limitations are that the questionnaires were not validated due to lack of such questionnaires at the time of the study and that the study population is quite small. Conclusion: Patients with a sphincter injury and fecal incontinence often have an impaired sexual function. Increased deferring time for stools after surgery increases the likelihood of improved sexual function. |
