Evaluation of effects of urinary incontinence subtypes on women's sexual function using the Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of urinary incontinence (UI) and subtypes, including urinary stress incontinence (USI), urinary urge incontinence (UUI), and urinary mixed incontinence (UMI), on sexual function and quality of life (QoL) of women. Sexually active premenopausal consecutive women (n = 153) with UI were enrolled in this study. Sexual function was assessed with the Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS), and QoL was assessed with the Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Short Form. The patient population (n = 153) was composed of women with USI (n = 20), UUI (n = 21), UMI (n = 40), and a control group (n = 72) assessed for only routine gynecological evaluation. Infrequency, dissatisfaction, avoidance, and anorgasmia were significantly higher in the UI group compared to the control group (P<0.05). When we compared the USI, UUI, and UMI groups in terms of the subscales of the GRISS, dissatisfaction was significantly higher in the UMI group (P = 0.001). Scores for the Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Short Form were significantly higher in the UMI group compared with the UUI group (P < 0.05). UI has an adverse affect on sexual function and QoL of women. UMI has the greatest impact on sexual function in terms of dissatisfaction compared with USI and UUI. We suggest routine assessment of sexually active women with UI using specific questionnaires to diagnose and treat sexual dysfunction.