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Published in: International Urogynecology Journal 4/2010

01-04-2010 | Original Article

Does vaginal size impact sexual activity and function?

Authors: Megan O. Schimpf, Heidi S. Harvie, Tola B. Omotosho, Lee B. Epstein, Marjorie Jean-Michel, Cedric K. Olivera, Kristin E. Rooney, Sunil Balgobin, Okechukwu A. Ibeanu, Rajiv B. Gala, Rebecca G. Rogers, for the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons Fellows’ Pelvic Research Network

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 4/2010

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

This study seeks to determine if total vaginal length (TVL) or genital hiatus (GH) impact sexual activity and function.

Methods

Heterosexual women ≥ 40 years were recruited from urogynecology and gynecology offices. TVL and GH were assessed using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification exam. Women completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and were dichotomized into either normal function (FSFI total > 26) or sexual dysfunction (FSFI ≤ 26).

Results

Five hundred five women were enrolled; 333 (67%) reported sexual activity. While sexually active women had longer vaginas than women who were not active (9.1 cm ± 1.2 versus 8.9 cm ± 1.3, p = 0.04), significance was explained by age differences. GH measurements did not differ (3.2 cm ± 1.1 versus 3.1 cm ± 1.1, p = 0.58). In sexually active women, TVL was weakly correlated with FSFI total score, but GH was not. TVL and GH did not differ between women with normal FSFI scores and those with sexual dysfunction.

Conclusions

Vaginal size did not affect sexual activity or function.
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Metadata
Title
Does vaginal size impact sexual activity and function?
Authors
Megan O. Schimpf
Heidi S. Harvie
Tola B. Omotosho
Lee B. Epstein
Marjorie Jean-Michel
Cedric K. Olivera
Kristin E. Rooney
Sunil Balgobin
Okechukwu A. Ibeanu
Rajiv B. Gala
Rebecca G. Rogers
for the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons Fellows’ Pelvic Research Network
Publication date
01-04-2010
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 4/2010
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-009-1051-2

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