INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN URINARY INCONTINENCE AND SEXUAL HEALTH IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN INSIGHTS FROM FORENSIC MEDICINE AND TOXICOLOGY
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Keywords
Urinary Incontinence, Sexual Dysfunction, Postmenopausal Women, Stress Incontinence, Urge Incontinence, Hormonal Changes
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between urinary incontinence (UI) and sexual health in postmenopausal women.
Methods: Data collection involved reviewing patient medical records, focusing on UI type, severity, and demographic characteristics. Sexual health was assessed using a standardized questionnaire, such as the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), which evaluates different domains of sexual function. Statistical analysis was employed to determine correlations between UI severity and sexual function scores. Forensic toxicology insights were included by analyzing records of any pharmacological agents, such as sedatives or antidepressants, to examine their potential impact on sexual health and urinary function.
Results: The results showed that 60% of the women reported moderate to severe urinary incontinence, while 40% experienced mild incontinence. In terms of sexual function, 70% of the women reported some form of sexual dysfunction. The most commonly affected areas were lubrication (52%) and orgasm (46%). A significant negative correlation was observed between the severity of urinary incontinence and overall sexual satisfaction (p < 0.01). This was especially evident in women diagnosed with stress incontinence. Additionally, women who were taking sedatives or antidepressants were found to have a higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction (p < 0.05), indicating the potential influence of these medications on both UI and sexual health. No significant association was found between hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) and sexual function in this sample.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate a significant relationship between urinary incontinence and diminished sexual health in postmenopausal women. UI, particularly when severe, is associated with reduced sexual satisfaction and function, negatively affecting multiple domains of sexual health.
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Dr Summyia Sadia
Assistant Professor, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Sargodha Medical College, Sargodha, Pakistan
Dr Sobia Zahur Malik
Demonstrator, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Independent Medical College, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Dr Shazia Sultana
Associate Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
Dr Muhammad Adnan
Assistant Professor, Bakhtawar Amin Medical and Dental College, Multan, Pakistan
Dr Saifullah
Consultant, Bukhtawar Amin Medical College, Multan, Pakistan
Dr Muhammad Imran Ashraf
Associate Professor, Pharmacology Department, Allama Iqbal Medical College Lahore, Pakistan