PRIDE: Pelvic Floor Disorders Among Sexually Minoritized Women & Sexual Function

Thursday, October 24, 2024

12:25 PM – 12:35 PM EDT

Location: Liberty Ballroom (Meeting Level 4)

Interviewee Quotations Exemplifying Emerging Themes

Abstract table use.docx

Objectives: To describe sexual function concerns of women with pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) who have sex with women (WSW).

Methods: This was a multi-center qualitative study conducted to explore the sexual function of WSW and how their pelvic floor dysfunction affects their sexual function. A semi-structured interview guide was created to conduct one-on-one interviews via digital conferencing. Domains investigated included: knowledge and beliefs regarding PFDs, impact of PFDs on sexual function, and sexual function in general. We also compared the themes generated in this qualitative study to themes generated in prior works with heterosexual populations with PFDs. The audio interviews were transcribed and deidentified. Transcripts were then analyzed with line-by-line coding by at least 2 independent researchers and organized into themes using a team-based approach. Interviews were conducted until thematic saturation was reached.

Results: Eighteen cognitive interviews were conducted and thematic saturation was reached. Participants’ average age was 49.0 (+/-16.6) years, the majority self-identified as Non-Hispanic White, were overall healthy with minimal chronic medical conditions, and were married or living with a partner. Five concepts emerged, namely, that WSW (Table): (1) share similar concerns regarding their PFDs and their sexual function as heterosexual women; (2) seek similar characteristics in choosing a partner as heterosexual women; (3) endorsed a more inclusive definition of sexual activity; (4) expressed a need for non-judgmental healthcare within a welcoming environment; and (5) a desire for societal space and recognition of the importance of trauma on sexual function.

Conclusions: WSW with PFDs expressed novel viewpoints regarding sexual function including using an inclusive definition of sexual activity and emphasizing the importance of the societal impact on sexual well-being. In addition, WSW also valued the importance of non-judgmental and trauma-informed care. Other major themes reported by WSW mirrored those previously reported by heterosexual women, including fear and embarrassment regarding their PFDs affecting their sexual function.

Disclosure(s):

Cara S. Ninivaggio, MD: No financial relationships to disclose

Yuko Komesu, MD: No financial relationships to disclose

Lauren Caldwell, MD: No financial relationships to disclose

Rachel A. High, Assistant Professor: No financial relationships to disclose

Erin C. Deverdis, MD: No financial relationships to disclose

Rebecca G. Rogers, MD: No relevant disclosure to display

Gena Dunivan, MD: No relevant disclosure to display

Presenting Author(s)

Cara S. Ninivaggio, MD (she/her/hers)

Urogynecologist
Kaiser NW Permanente
Portland, Oregon, United States

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

Co-Author(s)

YK

Yuko Komesu, MD

Howard Friedman Endowed Professor
Dept Ob-Gyn; Urogynecology Div; University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
Lauren Caldwell, MD (she/her/hers)

Assistant Professor
University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School
Austin, Texas, United States

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
Rachel A. High, Assistant Professor (she/her/hers)

Urogynecologist
Houston Methodist Hospital
Houston, Texas, United States

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
Erin C. Deverdis, MD (she/her/hers)

Associate Professor
Albany Medical College
Albany, New York, United States

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
Rebecca G. Rogers, MD (she/her/hers)

Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Albany Medical Center
Albany, New York, United States

Disclosure(s): No relevant disclosure to display
GD

Gena Dunivan, MD

Professor and Division Director, Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States

Disclosure(s): No relevant disclosure to display