Effects of Tubal Sterilization on Women's Sexuality and Risk Factors Causing Sexual Dysfunction

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of sexual dysfunction and associated risk factors in women who had undergone tubal sterilization and those who had not undergone tubal sterilization.

Methods: In this case-controlled sectional study, 100 women who underwent tubal sterilization were included as the case group and 100 women who were healthy, reproductive, and sexually active were included as the control group. A detailed medical and sexual history was taken from all the patients, and they were evaluated by filling the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) form in order to determine the status of sexual function. In 200 cases, the relationship of age, marital status, income level, number of births, alcohol use, cigarette smoking, and BMI with the FSFI scores was investigated by regression analysis.

Results: While the rate of sexual dysfunction was 82% in the tubal sterilization group, it was found to be 32% in the control group (p<0.001). In the tubal sterilization group, desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain scores were reported to be significantly lower than those in the control group (p<0.001). According to logistic regression analysis, in women whose monthly income was <$500 (OR 4.331); whose marital status was single, widowed, or divorced (OR 13.769); whose parity was >2 (OR 3.462); and who had undergone BTL (OR 7.876) were found to have an increased risk of sexual dysfunction.

Conclusion: The termination of fertility, which is one of the most significant abilities of women, by tubal sterilization seems to be an important factor for sexual dysfunction, especially in the presence of risk factors.