Comparison of sexual function in women after surgery for stress urinary incontinence with transobturator tape vs. tension-free vaginal tape

Background This study aimed to evaluate, for the first time in Iran, the impact of transobturator tape (TOT) and tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedures for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) on condition-specific sexual function 2–3 years after these surgeries. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Ghaem and Imam Reza Hospitals in Mashhad, Iran, involving 200 women who underwent either TOT or TVT surgeries. Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). A random sample of 100 women who had undergone TOT procedure and 100 women who had undergone TVT procedure within the past 2–3 years was selected and completed the FSFI questionnaire online. Results In the TOT group, 69% of women were menopausal, compared to 59% in the TVT group. Additionally, 27% and 31% of women had undergone cesarean deliveries in the TOT and TVT groups, respectively. Nonmenopausal women in the TOT group exhibited significantly better sexual function compared to menopausal and nonmenopausal women in the TVT group. Women with a history of natural delivery in the TOT group demonstrated significantly higher sexual function compared to their counterparts in the TVT group. Similarly, women who had undergone cesarean delivery in the TOT group reported better sexual function than those in the TVT group. Conclusion Minimally invasive surgical procedures such as TOT and TVT not only effectively treat SUI but also may improve aspects of sexual function in selected groups. This improvement is particularly notable among nonmenopausal women and those with a history of natural delivery.