Impact of Overactive Bladder on Sexual Function in Women: A Prospective Comparison Study

Purpose: Several reports have showed that female lower urinary tract symptoms affect health related quality of life and sexual function. However, there is lack of data proving the overactive bladder (OAB) on sexual function. We evaluated the impact of OAB on sexual function. Materials and Methods: We included 82 women from 18 to 65 years old with overactive bladder symptoms including urinary frequency and urgency. A control group was recruited at the Health Care Center for health medical examination of our hospital. All patients were asked to complete the Koran version of Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to assess sexual function. Results: The Mean age was 47.37±8.73 and 49.90±5.36 in OAB and Control group. Each of the dimension scores in FSFI represents worse sexual function in patients with OAB than the control group. The total scores of the FSFI were significantly decreased in the OAB group 20.10±4.10 than 24.64±3.91 (p<0.05). Among the six subdomains of FSFI, four domains of desire (4.92±1.59 vs 6.80±2.19), arousal (9.87±2.87 vs 11.50±2.44), orgasm (7.22±2.09 vs 9.52±2.96), satisfaction (6.95±2.09 vs 8.45±2.28) scores were significantly decreased in the OAB group (P<0.05) than control group. But, there was no statistically significant differences in domain of lubrication (11.12±2.80 vs 11.72±2.56) and pain (6.85±1.91vs 6.92±1.92) between the OAB group and control group. Conclusion: In this study, OAB syndrome was found to cause greater deterioration in sexual function. These results suggest that OAB symptoms have a significant impact on women’s sexual function. (J Korean Continence Soc 2009;13:102-7)