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International Urogynecology Journal

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01-09-2013 | Original Article

The association between fecal incontinence and sexual activity and function in women attending a tertiary referral center

Authors: Sara B. Cichowski, Yuko M. Komesu, Gena C. Dunivan, Rebecca G. Rogers

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 9/2013

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

To determine whether fecal incontinence (FI) is associated with sexual activity and to compare sexual function in women with and without FI.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of all new patients seen in an academic urogynecology clinic. Women who reported fecal incontinence, as defined by loss of fecal material on the Wexner scale, were compared with those without fecal incontinence. We compared sexual activity and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12 (PISQ-12) scores between groups.

Results

In our population of women with pelvic floor disorder, 588 women reported FI compared with 527 who did not. On multivariate analysis, FI was not associated with sexual activity status, but was associated with worsened PISQ-12 scores (p < 0.001). PISQ-12 item analysis found that women with FI reported more dyspareunia, fear, and avoidance of sexual activity with greater partner problems (all p <0.05) than women without FI.

Conclusions

Women with FI were as likely to engage in sexual relations as women without FI; however, sexually active women with FI had poorer sexual function than those without FI.

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Title: The association between fecal incontinence and sexual activity and function in women attending a tertiary referral center
Authors: Sara B. Cichowski
Yuko M. Komesu
Gena C. Dunivan
Rebecca G. Rogers
Publication date: 01-09-2013
Publisher: Springer London
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 9/2013
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-013-2044-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The association between fecal incontinence and sexual activity and function in women attending a tertiary referral center

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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