# Evaluation of sexual function changes in female patients before and after cataract surgery

## TL;DR

This study found that cataract surgery in women leads to significant improvements in sexual function and well-being.

## Contribution

It is novel to demonstrate a link between cataract surgery and enhanced female sexual function.

## Key findings

- Cataract surgery significantly improved all domains of female sexual function including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain.
- The total FSFI score increased significantly after surgery, indicating overall improvement in sexual well-being.
- Improved vision from cataract surgery may contribute to better sexual function and quality of life in women.

## Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the changes in sexual function among women before and after cataract surgery, focusing on improvements in specific domains of sexual well-being.

This study was conducted as a prospective observational study between August 1, 2024, and November 1, 2024, at the Samsun Training and Research Hospital. A total of 66 female participants aged 18 years or older, married, and actively engaging in sexual activities were included. Patients with pre-existing psychiatric or neurological disorders, previous diagnoses of sexual dysfunction, or those who refused to provide consent were excluded. The primary assessment tool was the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), which measures domains such as sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. FSFI scores were collected both preoperatively and one month postoperatively. Other clinical parameters included age, BMI, educational level, and comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes.

The mean age of the participants was 49.5 ± 4.4 years, and the average BMI was 24.0 ± 5.6 kg/m². Significant improvements were observed in all FSFI domains. Sexual desire increased from 2.3 ± 0.7 to 2.7 ± 0.8 (p < 0.001), and arousal improved from 1.9 ± 1.0 to 2.7 ± 1.3 (p < 0.001). Lubrication scores increased from 2.8 ± 1.2 to 3.2 ± 1.1 (p < 0.001), while orgasm scores improved from 1.7 ± 1.4 to 2.3 ± 1.4 (p < 0.001). Satisfaction scores rose from 2.5 ± 1.1 to 3.0 ± 1.1 (p < 0.001), and pain-discomfort scores improved from 1.9 ± 1.5 to 3.3 ± 1.6 (p < 0.001). The total FSFI score significantly increased from 13.0 ± 5.3 to 17.2 ± 5.1 (p < 0.001).

Cataract surgery not only restores visual function but is also associated with improvements in female sexual function and well-being. Improvements in sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, and satisfaction highlight the broader benefits of improved visual health. These findings suggest that addressing visual impairments may contribute to improved sexual function and quality of life.