Cervical procedures may upset sexual response in women

Cervical procedures appear to be associated with sexual issues, which raises the need to inform patients about this possibility when undergoing such procedure, according to a study.

The research team conducted an online survey among women with (n=72) and without (n=235) a history of a gynaecological procedure to assess demographics, medical history, sexual function (including locations of sexual pleasure and pain on diagrams), and barriers. They also divided the procedure group into subgroups of those who had experienced a cervical (n=47) or noncervical (n=25) procedure. Finally, the researchers performed chi-square analyses and t tests.

Nearly one in five (16 percent) women reported experiencing some pleasurable sexual sensations from the cervix. Those in the gynaecological procedure group reported significantly greater pain in the vagina, as well as lower rates of pleasure in their external genitals, vagina, deep vagina, anterior and posterior vaginal walls, and clitoris compared to their counterparts in the nongynaecological procedure group.

Significant decreases in desire, arousal, and lubrication and increased avoidance in sexual activity due to vaginal dryness were noted among women in the gynaecological procedure group and the cervical procedure subgroup. In addition, the gynaecological procedure group experienced significant pain with vaginal stimulation, while the cervical subgroup reported significant pain with cervical and clitoral stimulation.

“Cervical stimulation elicits some pleasurable sexual sensations for many women, and gynaecological procedures that affect the cervix are associated with pain and sexual issues; thus, healthcare providers should counsel patients about the possibility of related sexual concerns,” the researchers said.