Sexual function following total hip arthroplasty in reproductive age females

Background: Considering the effect of a healthy sex life on a patient’s overall well-being and the high prevalence of sexual difficulties in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip, the purpose of the present study was (1) to investigate sexual function in patients undergoing THA and (2) to evaluate the patient’s perspective on sexual function relative to other validated pre- and postoperative patient-reported outcome scores (PROs). Methods: Female patients of childbearing age who underwent THA between 2013 and 2019 were eligible. The questionnaire surveyed participants regarding their sexual well-being as a function of their hip pre- and post-THA. Additionally, preoperative and latest patient reported outcome scores were documented. P < .05 was considered significant. Results: Twenty patients enrolled in the study. Mean age was 36.61 years and the mean BMI was 27.86 kg/m2. The questionnaire revealed that 90% of participants experienced sexual difficulties prior to THA, attributed to hip pain and immobility. Further, 55.6% and 61.1% of respondents felt that their sexual difficulties negatively impacted their relationship and their overall well-being, respectively. Following THA, 61.1% of patients felt that the sexual difficulties were reduced or resolved. Mean reported time to improvement was 4.00 months. Further, 81.8% of these patients felt that these improvements positively impacted their relationship overall well-being. Conclusion: Hip OA is associated with sexual and relationship difficulties as well as impaired well-being in young females. Hip arthroplasty is associated with a significant resolution of the difficulties related to sexual activity, which occurs in average 4 months postoperatively. Level of evidence: IV.