Killing Two Birds with One Stone: Treatment of Female Urinary Incontinence Improves Female and Male Sexual Function

Abstract

Introduction: Aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of urinary incontinence (UI) treatment on female and male sexual functions. Methods: Sexually active women, who were diagnosed with UI and treated by surgically and/or medically between December 2017 and July 2018, were enrolled into the study, prospectively. Patients’ demographic properties were evaluated, and patients filled out Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) forms. Moreover, partner’s age, BMI and sexual status (IIEF-5 score: International Index of Erectile Function) were noted. Trans obturator tape (TOT) operation was performed in patients with stress UI. Patients with UUI underwent anticholinergic treatment. In patients with mixed UI, TOT operation was applied who had evident stress component and then anticholinergic treatment was initiated, if necessary. The patients filled out UDI-6, IIQ-7 and FSFI questionnaires at the 3rd month of initial therapy and patients’ partners filled out IIEF-5 form. Results: Forty-two women with UI and their partners were included in the study. Number of sexual intercourses per month was significantly increased after the treatment of UI (3.3/month vs. 5.2/month, p:0.001). Pre-treatment FSFI score was 18.9 in average; and after UI was treated, FSFI score was increased to 24.9 (p=0.001). Moreover, we found significant improvement in IIEF score of partners, after the treatment of female UI (18.5 vs. 22.5, p=0.001). Discussion and Conclusion: Our findings have showed that, treatment of UI in women significantly improved quality of life and sexual function in women and sexual activity in their partners.