The Relationship between Sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence in Women with Multiple Sclerosis

Background and Aim : Urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction (SD) are prevalent and destructivemanifestation of the multiple sclerosis that severely affects quality of life. This study was conducted todetermine the relationship between urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction in Iranian MS-womenMethods : This cross-sectional study was performed on 190 married women with multiple sclerosisreferred to Iranian MS Society in Tehran. Eligible women were recruited through convenience samplingmethod. Data were collected using Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19) and Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis (QUID). Descriptive statistics (mean andstandard deviation) and Pearson correlation test were used for data analysisResults : The mean age of the participants was 36.33± 6.51 years. The mean score of MSISQ-19 was 44.16± 15.80 (range of 19-85) and the mean score of urge and stress urinary incontinence was 5.79 ± 4.40 and2.79 ± 1.40 respectively (range of 0-15). Pearson test, showed a significant positive relationship betweensexual dysfunction and stress urinary incontinence (r=0.538, P<0.001) and urge urinary incontinence (r=0.589, P<0.001).Conclusion : According to the results of this study, there was positive significant relationship betweensexual dysfunction and stress and urge incontinence in women with Multiple Sclerosis. Given the highprevalence of urinary disorders among women with multiple sclerosis and its association with sexualdysfunction, it is recommended to adopt a comprehensive approach to promote sexual function and sexualhealth of these women

Keywords:

Urinary incontinence , Sexual dysfunction , Multiple Sclerosis , Women