The Effect of Urinary Incontinence Symptoms on Sexual Functions and Quality of Life in Women

Introduction Urinary incontinence is a common disorder in women which affects quality of life and sexual functioning. This study was made to research the effect of urinary incontinence symptoms on sexual functions and quality of life in women. Methods This is a descriptive study that includes 408 women with urinary incontinence problems. A 28-question personal information form including socio-demographic, obstetric, gynecological, urinary incontinence and sexuality characteristics, Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Questionnaire and Urinary Distress Inventory were used in the study. Results The mean age of the women was 36.43 +/- 12.84. More than half of women reported that urinary incontinence complaints persisted for less than one year and 16.4 % for more than three years. The research found that there was a significant difference between Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Questionnaire and Urinary Distress Inventory total scores in cases of age, education, marital status, Body Mass Index, chronic diseases frequent vaginal infection, chronic constipation, fecal incontinence, frequent urinary tract infection, frequent coughing, at least one live birth, number of births, mode of delivery, episiotomy application during vaginal delivery and menopause. Conclusions In our study, it was found that urinary incontinence problem of women had a negative effect on sexual function and quality of life. Urinary incontinence is not a life-threatening condition, but its effect on women's sexual function and quality of life should not be ignored.