ABSTRACT
Patient reported outcome (PRO) measures to assess sexual function are perhaps those of most significant value, as this sphere of activity is one of the most difficult in which to capture information that is meaningful. These instruments, if designed well, may incorporate the functional aspects of sexuality, the symptom severity, and the impact on quality of life. The WHO has defined sexual health as a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality, (and) not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction, or infirmity (1), and therefore an important reflector of global wellbeing. However there are great differences in the perception of clinicians and patients when discussing sexual outcomes. What is important for the patient may not be easily communicated to the doctor. Monitoring the effect of treatment or interventions on sexual parameters has generally been relatively crude to date. Questions which appear comfortable for doctor and patient to discuss may have little bearing on the true change in sexual activity. On the background of a varied population whose sexual backgrounds may be diverse, determining the right method of assessment is crucial for measuring the desired data. As 11% of women have surgical treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) (2), it is now the time to determine the impact of the disease process and its treatment on sexual function.
