Influence of self-perceived incontinence severity on quality of life and sexual function in women with urinary incontinence

Aims: We examined the impact of patient-perceived incontinence severity (PPIS) on health-related quality of life (QoL) and sexual function in women with urinary incontinence (UI). Methods: Patients were recruited from clinic practices at one hospital. Between May 2004 and June 2006, 353 women 27-79 years old (mean 55.7) underwent detailed evaluations. To obtain health-related QoL and sexual function assessments, the patients were asked to fill the questionnaires including the incontinence quality of life (I-QoL) and female sexual function index (FSFI). Patients were categorized into the three groups according to the PPIS; 'mild,' 'moderate,' and, severe.' Results: Among groups, the duration of symptoms, rate of mixed UI, mean number of treatment visits over the past year, rate of UI associated without any activity, and Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP) was significantly different (P < 0.05). The I-QoL total score and subscale scores deteriorated significantly as the PPIS increased (P < 0.001). Of the six domains in the FSFI questionnaire, four domains, namely, 'arousal' (P = 0.026), 'lubrication' (P = 0.012), 'orgasm' (P = 0.017), and 'pain' (P = 0.037) as well as the FSFI total score (P = 0.004) were significantly different among the groups. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that PPIS significantly influences health-related QoL and sexual function, and that strategies for assessing PPIS should be incorporated for assessing patients with UI.