Sexual dysfunction in patients after cystocele surgery. Is the g-spot a myth or reality?

UNLABELLED: The anterior wall of the vagina is very rich in nerves, blood vessels, and exocrine glands. This anatomical region is related to female sexual desire. During the anterior colporrhaphy operation, dissection of the anterior vaginal wall causes damage to this area, which may lead to decreased sexual satisfaction. In the present study, we aimed to investigate sexual function after anterior vaginal wall surgery.

METHODS: Totally 89 patients who had undergone the anterior colporrhaphy operation between May 2021 and December 2021 were included in the study. The patients' sexual function was investigated before surgery and six months after surgery. The effects on sexual function were determined according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire.

RESULTS: According to our study results, orgasm and orgasm intensities decreased after anterior colporrhaphy surgery (p = 0.000; p = 0.000), while sexual desire or arousal did not change (p = 0.405; p = 0.052). In addition, an increase in pain was observed during sexual intercourse after surgery (p = 0.000). No statistically significant difference was observed in the PISQ-12 score before or after anterior colporrhaphy surgery (p = 0.675).

CONCLUSION: Based on the results of our study, we found a remarkable decrease in orgasm in these patients. Furthermore, we think that it is appropriate to recommend conservative or alternative treatments for the early stages of cystocele. Nevertheless, larger-scale studies may be designed to reveal the importance of this region in sexual function.