Quality of life of patients with paraurethral cysts

Abstract

Background. Paraurethral cyst (PC) is often found in women aged 20–60 years. The prevalence of PC in the female population is 1–6 %. Since PC are often located in the distal urethra and lie close to the genitals of a woman, the symptoms associated with this disease cause women both physical and psychological suffering.Aim. To assess the quality of life of women with PC.Materials and methods. The study included female individuals (n = 106) aged 18–60 years, in whom PC were detected during examination of the perineal region. The quality of life of the patients was assessed on the basis of the health quality questionnaire – SF-36.Results. The average volume of the PC in the observed women was 3.2 ± 1.3 cm. In the observed women, the intensity of pain in the perineum was directly proportional to the duration of the disease: up to a year – 86.3 ± 4.1; from one to three years – 76.4 ± 8.3; more than three years – 64.4 ± 9.2 (p <0.05). In this regard, in this category of patients, indicators of physical activity, psychological health and role functioning due to emotional state were reduced. Repeatedor constant pain during urination and during sexual activity causes severe distress, which affects the quality of life of patients with cystic formations in the paraurethral region.Conclusion. In women with PC on the background of dyspareunia up to 3 years and more, physical and psychological aspects of health suffer.