In her own words: living with urinary incontinence in sexual life

Abstract

Urinary incontinence (UI) is an extremely private, disturbing health issue with negative sexual effects for women. The aim of this study was to identify the feelings and experiences of women with UI effects on their sexual lives through a qualitative research method. Twelve Turkish women participated in this study. The mean age of them was 47.08 +/- 6.12. Data was collected using both a demographic data form and a semi-structured interview form. Interview form was performed open-ended items which were designed to gather data on the experiences in sexual life, thoughts and perceptions of the participants about the impacts of UI on their sexual lives. Data was analysed by Colaizzi's analysis method. The findings that attempt to describe how women with UI live their sexuality were presented under four themes such as experiences of women when the symptoms first occurred, feelings, negative effects on sexual functioning, behavior for coping with UI. Seven of the women described the feeling that the involuntary UI caused during sexual intercourse as "shameful." The women reported that UI or the feeling of embarrassment during sexual intercourse has led to an inability to enjoy sexual intercourse by causing loss of sexual desire (five women), not having sexual intercourse (three women), and distraction (two women). There should be high degree awareness for UI and its sexual effects, not only by women but also by the healthcare staffs.