In a nutshell
This study looked at the effect of overactive bladder (OAB) medication on female sexual function. It concluded that treatment of OAB with medication could improve female sexual function.
Some background
Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a sudden, frequent urge to urinate. It may result in urge incontinence (inability to hold on to urine). OAB urination is emptying of the bladder usually eight or more times a day and two or more times at night. OAB can have a negative impact on quality of life. OAB can occur more often in women. Medications can be taken to calm the muscles and nerves which cause OAB.
OAB can occur more often in women. It is known to impact upon many day to day activities, and negatively affect female sexual function. Anticholinergics (AC) are a type of OAB medication which calms the muscles which cause OAB. AC can help with affected female sexual function. There are different kinds of AC, these can include: oxybutynin (Ditropan), tolterodine (Detrol), solifenacin (Vesicare) and fesoterodine (Toviaz), among others.
Methods & findings
381 women were followed for two years. 216 women with OAB received AC once daily for 3 months. They were monitored for their sexual function while on AC. 165 women without OAB received no AC treatment and acted as a comparator group. Sexual function, OAB severity and depression levels were assessed by a questionnaire at the beginning of the study and after the treatment. Sexual function was then compared between the two groups.
At the beginning of the study, the patients with OAB had significantly worse sexual function than the patients without OAB. After AC treatment, over 85% of patients with OAB had improved sexual function. Dry mouth and constipation were the only side effects which occurred. These side effects were mild.
The bottom line
The study concludes that AC treatment for OAB can improve women's sexual function.
The fine print
The authors note that this study did not include a placebo, each woman knew what treatment they were receiving. This may affect the study's results.
What’s next?
If you would like to learn more about AC treatment's effect on sexual function in women, contact your doctor.
Published By :
International urology and nephrology
Date :
Nov 17, 2018
