Evaluation of Sexual Satisfaction and Function in Patients Following Stoma Surgery: A Descriptive Study

Many patients who undergo stoma surgery experience erectile dysfunction or dyspareunia after the procedure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate sexual satisfaction and function in stoma patients. Data were collected from 100 stoma patients between March 2015 and 2016 using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS). Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive methods, the Mann–Whitney U test, and Kruskal–Wallis test. GRISS female (n = 24) and male (n = 76) mean scores were 6.20 ± 2.02 and 7.43 ± 1.44, respectively. FSFI mean score was 6.17 ± 8.97 and IIEF mean score was 23.5 ± 18.0. Severe erectile dysfunction was present in 60.5% of males (n = 46). Reportedly, 79.0% of patients had not been informed about possible sexual problems after surgery. Patients shared their experience with sexual problems with a partner (n = 28), medical doctor (n = 9), or no one (n = 20). Statistical significance was found between GRISS female mean scores and education level, marital status, chronic disease and stoma status (permanent/temporary) (p <.05), and between FSFI mean scores and chronic disease and drug use (p <.05). This study suggests that stoma patients experience sexual dissatisfaction and sexual dysfunction, and most patients had not been informed about possible sexual problems and treatment options. Based upon our findings, patients undergoing stoma surgery should receive perioperative sexual counseling conducted by a multidisciplinary team including stomatherapy nurses.