Sexual Life Under the Shadow of Multiple Sclerosis in Women: A Qualitative Study in Iran

Prevalence of stress urinary incontinence and urge urinary incontinence in multiples sclerosis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Urinary incontinence (UI), encompassing stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urge urinary incontinence (UUI), is a prevalent and debilitating condition in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), profoundly impacting their quality of life. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to elucidate the worldwide prevalence rates of SUI and UUI among MS patients. This study was conducted by examining observational studies published between 2000 and 2023. An exhaustive literature search was conducted across databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. The Meta-prop method facilitated pooled prevalence estimation of UUI and SUI, while Egger tests assessed publication bias. In total, 27 studies with 15,052 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The findings revealed a high random effect pooled prevalence of UUI at 41.02% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 30.57-51.89; I2 = 99%, p < 0.001) and SUI at 25.67% (95% CI: 19.30-32.58%; I2 = 94.9%, P < 0.001). Additionally, the pooled prevalence of mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) was reported at 18.81% (95% CI: 7.55-33.48; I2:95.44%, p < 0.001). The high heterogeneity observed suggests variable prevalence across populations and highlights the intricate nature of UI in MS. These findings underscore the critical need for dedicated supportive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative interventions to manage this common complaint in MS patients effectively.

Sexuality experiences of women with multiple sclerosis reporting overactive bladder: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

To effectively manage sexual dysfunction in women reporting overactive bladder, it is essential to know how patients perceive these problems, their lives, and their strategies.

AIM

In this study we aimed to understand the sexual life experiences of women with multiple sclerosis (MS) who report overactive bladder from their point of view.

METHODS

This study included 12 women with MS and was conducted as a qualitative study with a hermeneutic phenomenological framework. The data were evaluated by using Van Manen's thematic analysis method. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist was used.

OUTCOMES

In this study, thematic codes of sexual symptoms in women with MS with overactive bladder were defined and evaluated.

RESULTS

As a result of the analysis of the data, four main themes and nine subthemes were identified. The main themes were "sexual self-concept," "sexual relationships," "sexual function," and "coping with problems". Subthemes such as body image, sexual esteem, the meaning of sexuality, communication, intimacy, coping with overactive bladder and sexual problems, and getting support showed that overactive bladder symptoms negatively affected women's sexual health.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Given the variety of sexual problems experienced by women with MS who report overactive bladder, these problems should be a routine part of clinical evaluation.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

This study is to our knowledge the first to examine the sexual life experiences of MS women reporting overactive bladder in depth based on the holistic view of sexuality theory. However, the sample is small and includes only women with MS who have reported overactive bladder.

CONCLUSIONS

The sexual experience of women with MS who reported overactive bladder was multi-dimensional. Women with MS cope with their sexual problems alone and cannot receive the necessary support from their husbands, nurses, or other health professionals.

Experience of women with multiple sclerosis about their sexuality

PURPOSE

To understand how women with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience their sexuality.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a qualitative study in which eight women belonging to MS associations in Elche or Alicante (Spain) completed semi-structured interviews. We subsequently carried out a thematic analysis of this data.

RESULTS

Four main themes and multiple sub-themes were identified. The first theme was the 'influence of stereotypes on sexual expression', which included social and gender perspectives; the second theme was 'physical and emotional causes of sexual dysfunction', which were classified as primary, secondary, and tertiary; the third theme was 'experiencing sexuality in a personalised way', which included relationships with a partner, the concept of sexuality, and resources for improving sexual function; and the final theme was 'external support', which included sexual assistance, professional care, and peer support.

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual needs change in women with MS after diagnosis of the disease. However, this is not addressed routinely by health professionals. In their search for resources, women with MS highlighted that support from partners and from associations, could constitute a support network for the expression of their sexuality.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONWomen with MS refer changes in their sexual function, and these changes are not addressed routinely by healthcare providers.Inclusion of the sexual partners of women with MS in consultations regarding the treatment of sexual dysfunctions should be considered with previous consent.The positive experience of a woman with MS who used sexual assistant services may justify further research.MS associations can also play an important role in the sexual field as a meeting place for peers with shared experiences.