Abstract
Purpose
To establish if an improvement in OAB symptoms by treatment with anticholinergics is associated with a corresponding improvement in sexual function.
Methods
This was a prospective observational questionnaire study using ePAQ-PF (electronic Pelvic Assessment Questionnaire-Pelvic Floor), PISQ 12 and PGI-I for overactive bladder and sexual function. Sexually active women with overactive bladder were included in the study. Prolapse and voiding dysfunction were exclusion criteria for the study. All women were followed up for 6 months and were treatment naïve. Sexual function before and after treatment was compared. The data were analysed using SPSS. Formal ethical approval was obtained.
Results
34 women were included in the study. Only 8 % of women commenced on anticholinergics had an improvement in sexual function, compared to 66 % who experienced an improvement in OAB symptoms. Women who did experience a benefit in sexual function did so in the first 3 months of treatment of their overactive bladder and always noted an improvement in OAB symptoms.
Conclusions
Treatment of the overactive bladder symptoms does not guarantee improvement in sexual function.
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Acknowledgments
The author would like to thank Hilary Wood, who was the research nurse on the study and who helped with data collection. This study was funded by a joint educational grant from BSUG and BAUS and funded by Pfizer.
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Jha, S. Impact of treatment of overactive bladder with anticholinergics on sexual function. Arch Gynecol Obstet 293, 403–406 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-015-3828-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-015-3828-5