Correlation between urinary incontinence severity and sexual function during pregnancy: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Urinary incontinence (UI), characterized by involuntary urine leakage, is a common complaint during pregnancy and is influenced by hormonal, anatomical, and biomechanical changes, as well as by the increased demands placed on the pelvic floor muscles (PFM). These same changes may affect female sexual function (SF), influencing aspects such as desire, arousal, satisfaction, and comfort during sexual activity. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the correlation between UI severity and SF in pregnant women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee (CAAE: 93186025.4.0000.5406). All participants provided written informed consent. Pregnant women aged over 18 years, with a gestational age greater than 12 weeks and self-reported UI were included. UI severity was assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-SF), and SF was assessed using the Pregnancy and Sexual Response Inventory (PSRI). Results and Discussion: 88 pregnant women were included, with no missing data for the variables analyzed. Participants had a mean age of 30 years; most were experiencing their first pregnancy, with a median gestational age of 20 weeks, a median weight gain of 4 kg, and a mean BMI of 26.72 kg/m². A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between ICIQ-SF and PSRI scores (r = −0.218; p = 0.042), indicating that greater UI severity was associated with poorer SF. Conclusions: A negative correlation was observed between UI severity and SF in pregnant women, suggesting that greater UI severity is associated with poorer SF.