Sexual Activity and Urinary Incontinence in Women

Abstract

Urinary incontinence during sexual intercourse refers to overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome and it is divided in incontinence during penetration and during orgasm. 480 women with low urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were divided in a) affected by probable genuine stress incontinence, b) probable Urge-stress incontinence, c) probable Urge Incontinence, to specify incidence. Materials and Methods In Group C (186 women) 36 women, age range 24 to 56 years, with urinary incontinence only during sexual intercourse, were selected: 16 during orgasm (group I), 20 during penetration (group II). These patients filled in specific validated questionnaires (ICI-9), urinary recordings and, after urine exam, they underwent US study of urinary tract with post-micturition evaluation. The patients with other urological diseases or pelvic prolapse in stage II of POP-Q or higher were excluded. Patients were referred to physiatric evaluation and urodynamic exam with cystomanometry and perineal EMG, with provocative tests and after pressure-flow study. Results Cystocele was found in 4 out of 16 women in Group I, and in 6 out of 20 in Group II. No patients showed basic detrusor hyperactivity during cystomanometry. In Group I: 50% had detrusor hyperactivity and 18.75% had prolonged perineal relaxation. In Group II 30% had detrusor hyperactivity and 35% had prolonged perineal deficit. Results suggest parasympathetic deficiency in Group I and sympathetic deficiency in Group II.