Favorable Female Sexual Function is Associated with Patient Satisfaction after Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Implantation

Abstract

Introduction The interrelationship between male and female sexual function suggests that partner outcomes after inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation must be assessed. Aim We examined predictors of patient and partner satisfaction, and the relationship between patient satisfaction and female sexual function, after IPP implantation. Methods We designed a questionnaire (scored 1–5) assessing satisfaction with various domains related to the IPP (e.g., overall satisfaction and satisfaction related to: length, width, ease of use, and partner perception). Scores ≥3 were classified as satisfied. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was administered to the female partners of patients that underwent an IPP. Main Outcome Measures Independent samples Students' t-test was used to compare various FSFI domain scores in relation to male and female satisfaction. Analysis of variance test was used to assess linear regression correlation between various continuous variables. Results 45 men and 32 partners with a mean follow-up of 2.2 years were contacted. Overall satisfaction for men and women was 3.60 and 3.62 (out of 5), respectively. Partner FSFI scores were higher, respectively, in men with higher implant satisfaction than those with lower implant satisfaction (25.09 ± 6.79 vs. 13.67 ± 12.70, P < 0.001). Regression analysis suggests a direct correlation between FSFI scores and the degree of patient (r = 0.50, r2 = 0.23; P = 0.001) and partner (r = 0.70 r2 = 0.50; P < 0.001) satisfaction with the IPP. Conclusion Patient satisfaction after IPP implantation implies favorable partner sexual function compared to that of unsatisfied patients. The correlation observed suggests that patients not satisfied with their IPP are likely to have female partners at high risk for female sexual dysfunction. Further interventions may be needed to improve patient and partner sexual function, particularly unsatisfied men and their female partners.

High Patient Satisfaction After Inflatable Penile Prostheses Implantation Correlates with Female Partner Satisfaction

“…Female partner satisfaction and sexual function were assessed by an eight‐question survey and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), respectively. The conclusion was that male satisfaction correlates positively with female satisfaction and among unsatisfied men, female partners are likely to suffer from sexual dysfunction [12]. Limitations of these studies are lack of validated instruments, simultaneous interview of both partners, compromising the objectivity of answers, and problems in interpreting clinical meaning due to methodology.…”

Contemporary Patient Satisfaction Rates for Three-Piece Inflatable Penile Prostheses

“…Partners' attitudes may play a role [17] and patient expectations can have a great impact [18]. Poor outcomes requiring explantation and secondary procedures affected responses.…”

The importance of psychosexual counselling in the re-establishment of organic and erotic functions after penile prosthesis implantation

“…In this framework, female partners have a crucial role. 5 Usually they increase men's sexual desire and affirm their female identity. The penile prosthesis completely upsets this mechanism and make the sexual intercourse unnatural.…”

“…3 Prosthetic surgery attains high satisfaction rates for both patients and partners, as demonstrated by numerous authors. 4,5 The most satisfactory results in reestablishing an adequate sexual activity are obtained by the inflatable prosthesis as compared to the semirigid ones. Up-to-date, however, the improvement of sexual activity still remains the goal which most physicians and patients strive.…”