Pregnancy and sexual function in women with bladder exstrophy

As a result of improved surgical and medical treatment, an increasing number of women with bladder exstrophy are reaching childbearing age. Unfortunately, little data exist regarding their sexual capacity, fertility, and potential complications of pregnancy. To assess these parameters, the medical records of 40 women ranging in age from nineteen to thirty-six years who had been treated in infancy for bladder exstrophy were reviewed. The 14 pregnancies in 11 women (25%) resulted in 9 successful deliveries, 3 spontaneous abortions, and 2 elective abortions. Nine women in this group had previous urinary diversion. Twelve of the 40 women agreed to participate in a survey of sexual capacity. Eight of this group reported that they engaged in regular sexual activity. Six reported regular orgasms, 4 dyspareunia, and 5 dysmenorrhea. Five of these women had achieved 7 pregnancies, and only 1 woman in this group who desired pregnancy had been unable to conceive. Complications during pregnancy included: uterine prolapse in 7, acute pyelonephritis in 1, prolapsed ileal conduit in 1, and transient urinary incontinence in 1.