Urinary incontinence in women and the quality of a relationship with a partner

Aim of the study: An evaluation of the connection between incontinence of urine in women and the quality of a relationship with a partner.

Material and methods: The study comprised a group of 63 women with an average age of 55.7 ±8.7 years who were suffering from urinary incontinence, were in a relationship with a partner and declared being sexually active. The control group comprised 31 women with an average age of 55.2 ±8.6 years who were in a relationship and sexually active. The study was carried out via a diagnostic survey encompassing a questionnaire drawn up by the author of the study.

Results: The need for support from a partner, an emotional bond, an evaluation of a relationship, a sense of closeness with a partner, satisfaction from sexual intercourse and a sense of attractiveness were adopted as a relationship quality measure. Women suffering from urinary incontinence assessed their relationship quality and emotional bond lower. 67% of women stated that incontinence of urine during a sexual intercourse was a reason for discomfort. Consequently, 34% of women abstained from sexual relations and the sexual satisfaction of 50% of women was influenced. A lack of control over one’s own bladder made 51% of women feel unattractive. Aggravation and duration of symptoms intensified the sense of unattractiveness.

Conclusions: The obtained results confirm that urinary incontinence lowers the sense of attractiveness and, consequently, influences the relationship with a partner. Incontinence of urine hinders sexual intercourse and sexual satisfaction. The intensity and duration of symptoms influences a couple’s relationship quality.