Analysis of Correlation Between the Severity of Urinary Incontinence and Sexual Function in Women with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Aim The study aimed to analyze the correlation between the intensity of urinary incontinence (UI) in women by the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and sexual function by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Methods: Cross-sectional, correlational and quantitative study. It was developed in the urogynecology clinic with 110 women with stress or mixed UI. Exclusion criteria: overactive bladder syndrome, stage of pelvic organ prolapsed >3, neurological disease or dementia. The FSFI consists of 19 questions assessing female sexual function in the last 4 weeks in the areas of sexual desire, arousal, vaginal lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction and pain. It was considered final score ≤ 26.5 indicative of sexual dysfunction. The UI was evaluated using the (ICIQ-SF) consists of 4 items such as frequency of UI, volume, impact of UI on daily life and urinary symptoms. Results: There was a statistically significant relationship between the final ICIQ-SF result (mean = 13) and the final FSFI score (mean = 23.4), (p = 0.004). The higher the ICIQ-SF final score, the lower the final FSFI score. The FSFI domains most affected by UI severity as evidenced by ICIQ-SF were: sexual desire (p =0.000), sexual arousal (p =0.036) and satisfaction (p =0.010). Conclusions: There was a strong correlation between the severity of stress and mixed UI and sexual function in the studied population. The UI negatively interferes with the woman's desire, arousal, and sexual satisfaction.