The relationship between overactive bladder and sexual activity in women

DOI

10.1590/S1677-55382006000100014

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-1-2006

Publication Title

International Braz J Urol

Volume

32

Issue

1

First Page

77

Last Page

87

ISSN

16775538

Keywords

Female, Menopause, Overactive bladder, Sexual dysfunction, Urination disorders

Abstract

Purpose: We assessed the relationships between bladder symptoms, demographic, and medical history variables and sexual dysfunction in women with overactive bladder (OAB) disorder. Materials and methods: Seventy-eight women diagnosed with OAB completed self-administered questionnaires related to overall heath status, bladder function, and sexual function. Data were compiled for questionnaire responses, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine predictors of sexual dysfunction. Results: Bothersome bladder symptoms were reported by ≥ 60% of the sample. Sixty-percent of the sample was sexually active in the past month. Difficulty with sexual arousal, orgasm, and sexual enjoyment were reported by about 25% of the women. Sexual partner status was the best predictor of sexual arousal, orgasm, and sexual enjoyment. Menopausal status emerged as an important predictor of arousal and sexual enjoyment. Conclusion: The majority of women with symptoms of OAB viewed these symptoms as bothersome. However, the extent of symptom bother did not predict aspects of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Instead, menopausal and partner status emerged as the best predictors of FSD in our sample.

Open Access

Gold

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