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