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Psychosomatic aspects of urinary incontinence
R Bodden-Heidrich1, M W Beckmann, B Libera
1Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf.
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
|May 18, 1999
Summary
Psychosomatic factors do not directly cause urogynecological issues, but they can influence how patients perceive and experience incontinence. Negative sexual experiences were linked to depression, independent of urogynecological conditions.
Area of Science:
- Urogynecology
- Psychosomatic Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Psychosomatic aspects may significantly impact urogynecological disorder presentation.
- Urogynecological disorders affect women's quality of life, including sexual function and emotional well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of psychosomatic factors in urogynecological disorders.
- To explore the relationship between psychological status, sexual function, and urodynamic findings in patients with urogynecological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Included 72 patients from urogynecological clinics and 34 healthy controls.
- Utilized personal/medical history, psychological tests (Freiburg's personality inventory, anxiety/anger questionnaires, Beck's depression inventory), and urodynamic measurements.
- Assessed symptoms like stress incontinence, urge symptoms, sexual dysfunction, and dysmenorrhea.
Main Results:
- No specific psychosomatic influence was found to directly cause urogynecological problems.
- Negative sexual life correlated with depressive mood, independent of the urogynecological condition.
- While no causal link was found, perception of incontinence may be influenced by personality structure.
Conclusions:
- Psychosomatic factors are not a direct cause of urogynecological disorders.
- Depressive mood can be associated with negative sexual experiences, irrespective of urogynecological issues.
- Individual perception and experience of incontinence may be modulated by personality traits.