Effects of mesh surgery on sexual function in pelvic prolapse and urinary incontinence

PURPOSE: We aimed to determine pre-operative and post-operative sexual function scores of patients who underwent four-arm polypropylene mesh implantation surgery to treat urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study from January 2011 to November 2015 including patients (n: 72) submitted to surgical mesh implantation (four-arm anterior mesh implant (Betamix POP4®, Betatech Medical, Turkey) questioned the patients with Female Sexual Function Index evaluation form. The questionnaire was applied to all patients at pre-operative, post-operative 3rd month and post-operative 1st year periods. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 47.2±7.1 years. The mean Body Mass Index (kg/m2) was 28.7±3.7. The average of incontinence duration (year) was 4.6±2.6 and the average for operation time (min) was 35.7±2.1. After the urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse surgery, it was observed that incontinence complaints of patients reduced. Furthermore, there was a positive change in quality of life and sexual function of patients at the post-operative period. There was a statistically significant increase according to Female Sexual Function Index score among all three periods (16%, 86% and 100% respectively, p=0.001) and improvement of sexual functions was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Transvaginal mesh use in the surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse improves quality of life. However, risk factors such as transvaginal mesh usage indication, surgical technique and experience of the surgeon, suitability of the material, the current health status of the patient and postoperative personal care of the patient may affect the success of operations.