Does THA Affect Sexual Dysfunction in Female Patients With DDH?

The Effects of Sexual Education on Function and Quality of Life of Women Who Underwent Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the effect of sexual education on sexual function and quality of activity after total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

There were 31 patients who underwent THA who were randomly assigned to the education (n = 15) and the control (n = 16) groups in this randomized controlled trial. A sexual education session and an educational handout were provided to the study group after THA prior to discharge. Patients were evaluated 4 times throughout the study: preoperatively, at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. The data were collected by using the sociodemographic and medical data form, the Index of Female Sexual Function, the Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQoL-F) Questionnaire, the visual analog scale (VAS) of the Fear of Sexual Activity, and the VAS of Satisfaction with Sexual Activity scales.

RESULTS

The mean sexual activity satisfaction score of the education group was higher in the second (95% confidence interval [Cl] [0.67 to 3.08]) and third follow-up (95% Cl [0.19 to 3.03]) (P < 0.05). Over time, the mean satisfaction scores of both groups increased (P < 0.05). The mean VAS fear of sexual activity scores at the first (95% CI [-2.81 to -0.48]), second (95% CI [-4.71 to -2.80]), and third (95% CI [-3.80 to -1.55]) follow-ups of the education group were significantly lower. Over time, the mean fear scores of both groups decreased (P < 0.05). The education group had higher mean SQoL-F scores at the first (95% CI [4.90 to 33.11], second (95% CI [7.62 to 34.31]), and third (95% CI [5.23 to 35.79]) follow-ups (P < 0.05). For the mean SQoL-F score, the difference between groups (F = 6.64), the change over time in both groups (F = 29.16), and the change over time between groups (F = 13.74) were statistically significant (P < 0.05). For the mean Index of Female Sexual Function score, it was found that the change over time was significantly different for both groups (F = 69.64, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual education after THA may improve satisfaction with sexual activity and quality of life.

The impact of total hip arthroplasty on sexual satisfaction in female patients: a prospective before-and-after cohort study

PURPOSE

Despite the high rate of sexual limitation in female patients with hip osteoarthritis, evidence reporting sexual satisfaction after hip arthroplasty in women is limited. This study aimed to assess the impact of surgery on sexual satisfaction in women who undergo elective total hip arthroplasty (THA). As a secondary objective, we measured the effect of THA on different factors that could be related to sexual limitation and satisfaction.

METHODS

We designed a prospective before-and-after cohort study in which all consecutive women undergoing THA were screened for inclusion. Patients answered a ten question specifically designed questionnaire before and after surgery. An independent analysis was performed for each question through a McNemar-Bowker test for paired proportions.

RESULTS

Fifty-six patients completed the protocol and were available for analysis at the end of the study. Sexual satisfaction increased from 29% before surgery to 93% after the procedure (p < 0.001). All questions related to physical limitations demonstrated significant improvement after surgery. In addition, psychological aspects of limitation including fear of pain and injury, or perception of attractiveness, showed significant recovery as well.

CONCLUSION

There is a high rate of patients reporting limitations and disabilities during sexual activities among women with osteoarthritis. THA represents a positive impact on sexual functioning both in its physical and psychological aspects, thus increasing satisfaction rates in female patients. Surgeons should include these elements in the conversation with patients before and after surgery.