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Female sexual dysfunction following vaginal surgery: Myth or reality?

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Abstract

This article reviews the mechanisms by which vaginal surgery affects female sexual function and related pathophysiology to potential causes. The anatomy, neurovascular supply of the clitoris and introitus, and intrapelvic nerve supply are discussed as they apply to vaginal surgery. Methods to avoid neurovascular damage during pelvic floor surgery have been corroborated by supporting literature. The incidence of female sexual dysfunction after various transvaginal procedures for indications such as stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, anterior/posterior colporrhaphy, perineoplasty, and vaginal vault prolapse has been discussed. Current literature regarding female sexual dysfunction following other procedures such as vaginal hysterectomy, Martius flap interposition, and vesicovaginal and rectovaginal fistula repair also are reviewed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Female Urology, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Neurourology, Voiding Dysfunction, and Reconstructive Urology, Department of Urology, University of Miami School of Medicine, 1400 NW 10th Avenue, Suite #507-A, 33136, Miami, FL, USA

    Angelo E. Gousse MD

Authors
  1. Hari S. G. R. Tunuguntla MD
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  2. Angelo E. Gousse MD
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Tunuguntla, H.S.G.R., Gousse, A.E. Female sexual dysfunction following vaginal surgery: Myth or reality?. Curr Urol Rep 5, 403–411 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-004-0091-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-004-0091-x

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