Clinical presentation, sexual function and quality of life as predictors of sexual satisfaction among women with urinary incontinence before a vaginal revitalization procedure

Abstract

Purpose: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common condition among women that affects quality of life, depressive symptoms and sexual function. The aim of the study was to verify whether clinical data, sexual dysfunction and quality of life may be independent predictors of life satisfaction of women with UI. Methods: The study group included 76 patients who reported to a gynaecological clinic for vaginal revitalisation due to symptoms typical of UI. The patients completed: Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (FLZ), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire (I-QOL) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results: The UI patients presented a lower mean score regarding satisfaction with sex than a comparable healthy population. A high score on the FLZ-sex scale was predicted by lack of labour complications, a high score on the FLZ-health and FLZ-relationships scales, and FSFI arousal scale. Conclusions: UI appears to be linked particularly strongly to low satisfaction with sex as a dimension of life satisfaction. Memory of labour complications was associated to dissatisfaction with sex. On the other hand, no link between satisfaction with sex and episiotomy, caesarean section or natural childbirth was found. High satisfaction with sex was linked to high satisfaction with general health and relationship, as well as high arousal as a sexual function.