Evaluation of the sexual satisfaction quality of female patients and their sexual partners after total hip arthroplasty surgery

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to identify the effects of total hip arthroplasty (THA) on sexual activity and performance in sexually active female patients with hip arthritis and their partners in the early period, focusing on mobility and pain.

Patients and methods: Between January 2014 and December 2020, a total of 60 female patients (mean age: 49.4±4.2 years; range, 30 to 60 years) who were sexually active and underwent THA in our clinic were retrospectively analyzed. The New Sexual Satisfaction Scale (NSSS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for satisfaction were used in sexual functional evaluation. The NSSS and VAS scores at three, six, and 12 months postoperatively were compared. The relationship between sexual functions, demographic data, and duration was analyzed.

Results: The NSSS levels of the cases were 11.5% at three months, 46.2% at the sixth month, and 81.7% at 12 months after surgery. The increase in joint range of motion, which correlated with NSSS, was 21.4% at three months, 62.5% at six months, and 68.4% at 12 months. The NSSS results did not significantly differ among patients with varying demographics (p>0.05). While 21% of the patients had average NSSS during preoperative period, this increased to 61.5% after surgery. The VAS scores before and after THA were 4 and 6, respectively. Significant relations between both self-centered and spouse/partner-centered NSSS of the patients and patients’ ease in sexual intercourse (p=0.011 and p=0.002, respectively) and sexual quality (p=0.000 for both) were found after one-year follow-up. Multivariate analysis revealed that patients’ ease in sexual intercourse and sexual quality significantly affected self-centered (p=0.047 and p=0.000, respectively) and spouse/partner-centered (p=0.006 and p=0.000, respectively) NSSS of the patients.

Conclusion: After THA surgery, sexual activity of female patients gradually increases at three, six, and 12 months in the early period due to decreased pain and increased mobility. In addition, the sexual satisfaction quality of both patients and their sexual partners increases significantly.