Prevalence of Sexual Function and Vibrator Use Among Urogynecology Patients.

Abstract

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.