The effect of overactive bladder syndrome on the sexual life in asymptomatic continent women

Abstract

Objective Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is a very common problem, particularly in women, and has an effect on their daily lifestyle and sexual activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of overactive bladder syndrome on sexual life in asymptomatic continent women who are considered to be sexually active. Design Descriptive and cross-sectional study. Setting Gynaecology and obstetrics outpatient clinic, Pamukkale University Medical Faculty, Turkey. Subject A total of 1,504 patients as research population were examined and 117 patients without gynaecological symptoms presenting to the Obstetric and Gynaecology Clinic were included in the study. Main outcome measures For data collection a questionnaire to gather socio-demographic and medical information, an assessment tool (OAB-at) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for evaluating sexual dysfunction were utilised. Results Patients were determined as 28 continent women with OAB, 89 women without OAB. In line with this information we found the mean score of OAB positive continent women was 13.00±5.06 and the mean score of OAB negative women was 3.57±2.15. Patients with OAB had negatively impacted sexual function in the areas of arousal, lubrication, orgasm and pain. Conclusion OAB syndrome adversely affects sexual life even in continent women.