The Impact of Urinary Incontinence on Sexual Function: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION: Many studies have been developed to investigate the relationship between urinary incontinence (UI) and female sexuality especially how it interferes on the sexual function of affected women, but many questions remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: To summarize the relevant scientific literature published in the last 10 years that focused on the study of the impact of UI on the sexual function of incontinent women. METHODS: The PubMed and Bireme databases were searched using the keyword string "urinary incontinence" and "sexual function" or "sexual satisfaction" or "sexuality" for studies focusing the impact of UI on the sexual function of affected women older than 18 years, published in the last 10 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measure was the review of published literature on the impact of UI on sexual function by reporting study design, group of population studied, type of UI, and findings. RESULTS: 18 studies were selected for the study. UI has a negative impact on sexual function. The type of UI affected the quality of life and sexual function of the women in different ways. There is a shortage of articles that further study the underlying mechanisms of negative UI outcomes in sexual function. CONCLUSION: UI has negative impact on sexual function. It is probable that this interference, directly or indirectly, contributes decisively to the avoidance of women in having sex. The way this influence occurs remains unclear, especially when we seek to understand the mechanisms involved in this outcome. Pinheiro Sobreira Bezerra LR, Britto DF, Ribeiro Frota IP, et al. The Impact of Urinary Incontinence on Sexual Function: A Systematic Review. Sex Med 2020;8:393-402.