Urinary Incontinence During Sexual Activity: Prevalence in a Gynecologic Practice

Abstract

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of incontinence during sexual activity in a group of women presenting for routine gynecologic examinations. The study design was a questionnaire survey of all private patients appearing for routine annual gynecologic examination over a 1-month period at a university teaching hospital. Of 292 women, 224 completed the questionnaire about the subjective prevalence of urinary incontinence during sexual activity by self-report (response rate 77%). Urine loss during sexual activity was reported by 29 of the 224 women (12.9%). Only 2 women had incontinence only during sexual activity and at no other time. The incontinence occurred infrequently, and the volume was usually small. Thirteen women reported incontinence only during orgasm, 6 only during intercourse, and 10 during both activities. Only 1 woman found incontinence during sexual activity to be a major problem. No woman reported that her partner considered this a major problem. Occasional urinary incontinence during sexual activity is not rare and is not considered to be a problem for most women and their partners.