Prevalence of Sexual Function and Vibrator Use Among Urogynecology Patients.

IMPORTANCE: Urogynecology patients often present with sexual dysfunction; limited information on vibrator utilization to improve sexual function in this population exists.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess patient knowledge of and receptivity to vibrator use.

STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional, survey-based cohort study. The survey included patient characteristics, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20), Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire Short Form 12, and vibrator use questions. Our primary outcome was vibrator utilization rates comparing younger (<65) and older (≥65 years) urogynecology patients.

RESULTS: Of 213 distributed, 165 (78%) surveys were analyzed. Of these, 104 participants (63%) were aged <65 years and 61 (37%) were ≥65 years. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups (all P's > 0.05). Older patients reported less vibrator utilization than younger patients (30% vs 64%, P ≤ 0.001) and were less likely to be sexually active with a partner (36% vs 62%, P = 0.002) or masturbate (23% vs 51%, P ≤ 0.001). Most patients (76%) thought physicians should discuss vibrators with patients who would like to improve their sexual function with no differences between age groups (71% vs 80%, P = 0.17). Among women receptive to vibrator use, in a multivariable analysis, patients who reported masturbation (odds ratio [OR], 13.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.80-67.71), vibrator use in the past (OR, 24.4; 95% CI, 6.65-89.53), or who believed physicians should discuss vibrators in a clinical setting (OR, 11.66; 95% CI, 2.9-46.81) were more receptive to vibrator use to improve sexual function. Age did not influence receptivity.

CONCLUSIONS: Vibrator utilization is greater among younger than older patients. Most urogynecologic patients think health care providers should discuss vibrator use with patients who wish to improve sexual function.