Sexual Experiences of Men with Incontinent Partners

Abstract

Introduction Several studies show that urinary incontinence (UI) impairs women’s sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction. However, there is no scientific knowledge about the effects of UI on sexual functioning of the male partners. Aim To analyze sexual functioning of the male partners of females with UI. Methods During a period of 2.5 years all new female patients and their partners (both groups aged 18 years and older), who presented at our outpatient clinic for urological evaluation, were asked for demographic characteristics, medical history, and referral indication including the main urological complaint. In addition they were asked to fill in the Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction questionnaires about sexual functioning. Main Outcome Measures Sexual function measured by the Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction questionnaire. Results A total of 189 sexually active couples completed the questionnaires. Eighty-one (42.9%) of the women had UI as main urological complaint. Differences were found between women with UI and those without. Women with UI have a lower overall sexual function (P = 0.02), lower frequency of intercourse (P = 0.02), more problems with communication (P = 0.036), and more often show avoidable behavior with regard to sexual activity. (P = 0.002) Men with partners with UI showed a diminished overall sexual function (6.66 ± 1.53) compared with men with women without UI (5.95 ± 1.22, P = 0.001). Furthermore, comparisons of subscales also demonstrate a lower frequency of intercourse (5.62 ± 2.00, 6.49 ± 1.96), less satisfaction (8.08 ± 2.79, 9.69 ± 3.63), and more erectile problems (6.01 ± 2.28, 6.87 ± 3.23) in men with partners with UI. (P = 0.03, P = 0.001, P = 0.037) Conclusions This study shows that female urinary incontinence correlates with their partners’ overall sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction. In addition, significant differences were found with regard to the satisfaction with one’s sex life between a woman with UI and her partner.

Urinary incontinence in women

“…The mean total score from the Zarit Burden Interview, one of the most widely used tools to measure caregiver burden, was significantly higher among caregivers of patients who were incontinent than among those of patients who were continent. Male partners of women with urinary incontinence also report lower sexual function and sexual satisfaction 166 . Overall, female urinary incontinence and urgency negatively affect sexual function in almost 50% of affected women and in 20% of their partners 167 .…”

Effect on Sexual Function of Patients and Patients' Spouses After Midurethral Sling Procedure for Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Prospective Single Center Study

“…Little is known about the male partner's perspective of women who undergo an antiincontinence procedure. Bekker et al 20 reported that male partners of women with SUI have diminished sexual function, lower frequency of intercourse, less sexual satisfaction, and more erectile dysfunction than men with continent partners. However, study including sexual satisfaction of patients' spouses after anti-incontinence surgery is currently limited.…”

Sexual activity and function in women more than 2 years after midurethral sling placement

“…However, 1 study has shown that male partners of women with UI have diminished sexual function, lower frequency of intercourse, less sexual satisfaction, and more erectile dysfunction than men with continent partners. 18 …”