Sexual Function in Couples With or Without Female Incontinent Partners: Correlates and Predictors

To evaluate the correlation between sexual function of couples with and without stress urinary incontinence (SUI) partners, and to identify predictors of poor sexual function.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving sexually active women with or without SUI aged at least 21 years old, and their respective partners. Both partners completed the Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS), a 28-item multidimensional measure with separate forms for male and female designed to assess sexual satisfaction of both partners. Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to analyze bivariate association, whereas multiple regression analysis was used to identify predictors for overall sexual function as measured using GRISS score.

Sixty-six couples with SUI partners and 95 couples with continent partners were recruited. Overall GRISS scores and thus sexual function of men and women were strongly correlated. The correlation coefficient was higher in couples with SUI partners (r = 0.702, P <.001) compared with couples with continent partners (r = 0.629, P <.001), indicating a stronger correlation in the sexual function of couples with SUI partners. In multivariate analysis, poorer sexual function (lower GRISS score) in women, increasing age, and less frequency of sexual intercourse were significant predictors of poorer overall GRISS score in couples (P <.001).

Female sexual function is strongly correlated with male partners' sexual function, with a stronger correlation observed in couples with SUI partners. Poorer sexual function in women, increasing age, and less frequency of sexual intercourse are predictive of poorer sexual function in a couple.