One survey fits all? Evaluating the relevance of sexual function measures designed for cis women in trans women postvaginoplasty

Abstract

Abstract Background Providers are currently using surveys designed for cisgender women and/or creating their own questionnaires to evaluate the sexual function and satisfaction (SFS) of transgender women postvaginoplasty (TWPV), despite the marked difference in anatomy and lived experience between these groups. Aim To evaluate the appropriateness of the current assays that have been validated in cisgender women and to assess their applicability in studying SFS in TWPV. Methods Surveys assessing female SFS that were validated in English speakers in North America were compiled and reviewed. Percentages reflect the proportion of surveys that asked questions deemed relevant or irrelevant for TWPV. Assessed variables included questions about endogenous lubrication, pain/discomfort with penetration, and other sexual activity. Outcomes Outcomes of interest were questions that fell into 1 of 2 categories: questions irrelevant to TWPV (present/irrelevant) and those relevant for TWPV (present/relevant). Results All surveys contained present/irrelevant questions. Endogenous lubrication—a property of the natal vagina that may not be present in the neovagina—was the primary present/irrelevant question and was asked in 69.2% of the surveys. Vaginal pain, a present/relevant question, was assessed in 46.2% of surveys. Furthermore, questions requiring a partnered relationship to answer were asked in 61.5% of surveys, which may detract from the assessment of SFS in individuals who do not have sexual partners. Notably, there was also a lack of questions important for evaluating SFS in TWPV, such as assessing satisfaction of the caliber and depth of the neovagina, erogenous stimulation of the prostate during insertive intercourse, and cosmetic appearance of the vulva. Clinical Implications This analysis raises concerns about the clinician’s ability to meaningfully assess SFS in TWPV using the tools available. Strengths and Limitations This article is the first of its kind to qualitatively assess the applicability of currently validated SFS questionnaires in TWPV. Limitations include the inability to draw definitive conclusions due to the qualitative nature of the study and the possibility of missing complex biopsychosocial factors, as trans individuals were not directly involved in the assessments of applicability. Conclusion Given that the existing surveys are not designed to assess the SFS of TWPV, we call for the development of a validated survey for this population, which is in line with the precedent set by several other questionnaires validated for similarly specific populations.