Sexual dysfunction at urinary incontinence

Background: The progress of science in the field of male sexuality stimulated the interest to investigate female sexual function and dysfunction. The understanding of sexuality as a central part of life quality and satisfaction of humans, opened the doors for research of sexuality and sexual disorders. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction ("FSD") and erectile dysfunction ("ED") in a community population and the relation to urinary incontinence.

Methods: We developed 2 questionnaires (men 53 questions, women 55). The IPSS and KEED (Kölner Erfassungsbogen der erektilen Dysfunktion) were integrated in the male questionnaire and the FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index) in the female questionnaire. The questionnaire was send to each 10,000 women and men (age 20-80 years). The response rate in women was 41 and in men 46%, the mean age 43 in women and 53 in men.

Results: The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction was 38.2%, and it was 19.6% for male sexual dysfunction. 26% of the women and 41.4% of men suffered from urinary incontinence/lower urinary tract symptoms ("LUTS"). The prevalence increased significantly with age. 46.5% of the incontinent women suffered from FSD versus 35.2% of the continent women. 34% of women, who had consulted a physician because of sexual problems in the past, suffered from FSD and urine incontinence. The therapy necessity in general is around 18.4%. There was a statistically significant correlation between LUTS and ED. 31.8% of the men with LUTS suffered from ED versus 10.3% of continent men (p=0.001).

Conclusions: Up to now this is the largest single center, community based, study of FSD and ED. We could demonstrate a high prevalence of FSD and ED in general and particular in urinary incontinent persons.