Overactive bladder syndrome and sexual dysfunction in women with fibromyalgia and their relationship with disease severity

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) and sexual dysfunction in fibromyalgia (FM) patients, as well as their relationship with disease severity. Methods Consecutive adult female patients with FM were enrolled. Patients filled in a comprehensive questionnaire package including demographic variables, disease severity assessment (revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire [FIQR]), neuropathic pain features (PainDetect Questionnaire [PDQ]), severity of OAB symptoms (Overactive Bladder Symptom Score [OABSS]), and determining sexual functioning (Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI]). Results The study included 481 patients, 116 (24.11%) had mild OAB, 82 patients (17.04%) had moderate OAB, and 34 patients had serious OAB (7.06%). In 14.17% of patients the bladder condition was causing them major issues in terms of discomfort. In 7.87% of patients the bladder condition was causing them significant problems. Sexual dysfunctions were found in 91 patients (18.91%). Using the FSFI as dependent variable, multivariate analysis revealed a positive relationship between sexual dysfunction and variables of disease burden (FIQR, p<0.0001; PDQ, p<0.0001, widespread pain index [WPI], p=0.0037). Using OABSS as the dependent variable, multivariate regression revealed a substantial contribution from FIQR (p<0.0001), PDQ (p=0.0037), and WPI (p=0.0030). Conclusion FM has the potential to affect both psychological and physiological processes in women with OAB and sexual dysfunction. These results emphasise the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to treat patients with overactive bladder syndrome and sexual dysfunction in FM.