Effectiveness of selective vaginal tightening on sexual function among reproductive aged women in Iran with vaginal laxity: a quasi-experimental study

Aim: Sexuality is an important part of women's health, quality of life and general well-being. Vaginal laxity may cause sexual dissatisfaction thereby causing some women to demand vaginal tightening surgeries. This study aimed to evaluate the sexual function preoperative and 6 months after selective vaginal tightening in women of reproductive age in Iran with vaginal laxity.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study was carried out on 79 women with vaginal laxity. All the women were requested to complete the questionnaire, which contained sociodemographic and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questions preoperatively and 6 months after vaginal tightening. Data were analyzed using a paired Student's t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum test and Mann-Whitney U-test.

Results: The mean age of participants was 34.02 ± 5.30 years. The average total FSFI score increased from 24.19 ± 3.09 to 26.92 ± 3.41 (P < 0.001) after surgery. The scores for libido, arousal, orgasm and satisfaction domain were significantly improved, but a high level of dyspareunia and low vaginal lubrication were noted (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Sexual function was improved 6 months after vaginal tightening. This indicates that elective vaginal tightening had a positive effect on the sexual function in women. However, the increase in dyspareunia and decrease in lubrication may limit the application of this type of surgery. Further studies with longer follow-up are required to verify the long-term results of vaginal tightening.