Premenopausal Women with Sexual Dysfunction: The Need for a Bladder Function History

Abstract

Despite the high prevalence of both female sexual problems and bladder dysfunction in the premenopausal population, sexual history forms used in primary care offices rarely include questions about the impact of bladder dysfunction on sexual health. To provide a review of the literature that illustrates the relationship between bladder problems and sexual performance of premenopausal women. To objectively support by a review of the literature the need for a complete bladder history in when evaluating premenopausal women with female sexual dysfunction. Pubmed was searched for all articles (from November 1980 to June 2007) that reported on the effect bladder dysfunction has on premenopausal female sexual function. The scant literature available strongly suggested that bladder dysfunction is a contributor to sexual dysfunction and that this medical concern should be considered in all women, regardless of age who present with sexual complaints. Further studies need to be conducted in order to solidify a direct causal relationship between bladder dysfunction and premenopausal female sexuality. These studies should include a larger sample size, clearly defined types of sexual dysfunction and bladder dysfunction, and appropriate follow-up of patient responses using validated objective and subjective outcome modalities to confirm that the patient responses are factual.