Bariatric surgery might be linked to improved sexual function in obese women, according to new research in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.

Many women with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2 have pelvic floor disorders (such as pelvic organ prolapse) as well as urinary and anal incontinence. Sexual function may be affected by these conditions, along with other issues associated with obesity, like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The study’s goals were twofold. First, the researchers wanted to know if bariatric surgery might affect sexual function in women. Second, they investigated whether an assessment called the PISQ-IR (Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire – International Urogynecology Association – Revised) would be helpful in evaluating such women.