Risk factors of overactive bladder syndrome and its relation to sexual function in menopausal women

Overactive bladder syndrome is a common and annoying complication worldwide that could negatively affect the quality of life of afflicted individuals. We aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of overactive bladder syndrome and its relation to sexual function in healthy menopausal women.

This cross-sectional study was done on 340 women aged 45-60 years in Tabriz, northwest Iran, during 2015-2016. Data were collected using a demographic data questionnaire, the Overactive Bladder Syndrome Score, and the McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire.

Fifty-six (16.5%), 63 (18.5%), and 10 (2.9%) of the participating women had mild, moderate, and severe overactive bladder syndrome, respectively. Predictors of overactive bladder included: night sweats, central prolapse, episiotomy, varicose disease, illiteracy or education at the primary level, systolic blood pressure >140 mmHg and lack of physical activity. We found a significant difference between the women with and without overactive bladder with respect to the total score and sub-domain scores related to sex partner (p = 0.029) and sexual interest (p = 0.049).

The prevalence of overactive bladder was quite high in this study. Since sexual dysfunction is not an easy topic to talk about and can affect women's quality of life, physicians should consider talking about these issues besides urinary issues to all middle-aged women.