“A cross-sectional case-control study of sexual dysfunction and associated depression in postmenopausal incontinent women.”

Background Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) has higher prevalence in postmenopausal women especially with urinary incontinence (UI) and coital incontinence (CI). This study was attempted as there is dearth of literature to quantify FSD, CI and depression in UI women and their correlation with each other especially in Indian scenario. Aim Aim: of this study was to determine the prevalence of FSD, CI and depression in postmenopausal UI women. Material and Methods Cross-sectional case-control study of 100 menopausal women with previously diagnosed UI with matching controls over period of 3 months were analyzed for the prevalence of FSD, CI and depression using validated questionnaires like Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Primary Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Statistical Analysis was performed using SPSS version 19.0. Results UI is independently associated with FSD, CI and depression (p < 0.001) with prevalence of 100%, 83%, and 100% respectively for cases versus 5%, 6%, and 4% respectively for controls. FSD and CI are also independently associated with depression (p < 0.001). Combined FSD with UI and CI with UI are also significantly associated with depression. Conclusion UI is independently associated with FSD, CI and depression. FSD and CI are also independently associated with depression. UI is the major determinant of depression in those with both FSD and UI or CI and UI. Key Message Points Female sexual dysfunction is rampant in menopausal women especially the ones who are incontinent, which jeopardizes their quality of life. Sexually dysfunctional incontinent females feel socially outcast and are moderate to severely depressed and need addressal. There is a dearth of literature as regards to this issue in the society which needs to be explored, hence an attempt has been made