The impact of the overactive bladder syndrome on sexual function: a preliminary report from the Multicenter Assessment of Transdermal Therapy in Overactive Bladder with Oxybutynin trial.

Author(s): Sand PK, Goldberg RP, Dmochowski RR, McIlwain M, Dahl NV

Affiliation(s): Evanston Continence Center, Evanston Northwestern Healthcare, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine Evanston, IL 60201, USA. p-sand@northwestern.edu

Publication date & source: 2006-12, Am J Obstet Gynecol., 195(6):1730-5.

Publication type: Multicenter Study; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the impact of overactive bladder on sexual function from a preliminary analysis of the Multicenter Assessment of Transdermal Therapy in Overactive Bladder with Oxybutynin study. STUDY DESIGN: The Multicenter Assessment of Transdermal Therapy in Overactive Bladder with Oxybutynin study was an open-label, prospective trial of 2878 subjects with overactive bladder, treated with transdermal oxybutynin for 6 months or less. The impact of overactive bladder on sexual function before and after treatment was assessed via item responses from the King's Health Questionnaire and Beck Depression Inventory-II (kappa-test). RESULTS: At baseline, 586 (23.1%) reported that overactive bladder had an impact on their sex life. Coital incontinence in 569 (22.8%) decreased after treatment to 438 (19.3%). Effects of overactive bladder on subjects' sex lives improved in 19.1% (worsened in 11.2%), and the effect on relationships with partners improved in 19.6% (worsened in 11.9%). Reduced interest in sex, reported by 52.1% at baseline, improved significantly. (all P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Overactive bladder negatively affects sexual function. Treatment with transdermal oxybutynin improved sexual function and marital relationships.