The effect of solifenacin treatment for urge urinary incontinence on sexual function in premenopausal and postmenopausal women: a prospective observational study

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine whether solifenacin used for urge urinary incontinence improves sexual function and if so this improvement differs between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: 120 women, 48 premenopausal and 72 postmenopausal were enrolled in the study. They filled out the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) before, three months, and six months after the solifenacin 5mg daily treatment for urge urinary incontinence. The results were interpreted in two groups, premenopausal and postmenopausal. The FSFI scores for baseline and for post-treatment were compared for both groups and with each other. Results: All domains of FSFI except orgasm were improved with the use of Solifenacin. The mean FSFI scores following three months (n=110) and six months (n=65) of solifenacin treatment are significantly improved compared to the baseline in both premenopausal and postmenopausal patients. This improvement in FSFI scores does not significantly differ between premenopausal and postmenopausal groups. Conclusion: Solifenacin treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms has been shown to have a positive impact on the sexual functions of both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Although treatment with solifenacin improved sexual dysfunction in women, this improvement did not vary between premenopausal and postmenopausal women.