Sexual and emotional experiences of women with urinary incontinence secondary to HTLV

Abstract

Objective: To understand the sexuality experience of women with urinary incontinence secondary to human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV). Methods: Qualitative study using oral thematic history and data collection through in-depth interview and, for analysis, the content and gender analysis technique. Results: Ten women participated and four categories emerged: understanding sexuality; experiencing conflict and violence; experiencing sexuality without pleasure; and experiencing urinary losses during intercourse. Knowledge about sexuality and exercise was limited. Living with incontinence and the virus contributed to conflicts in marital and emotional relationships, surrounded by renunciation, limitation, gender-based violence, as well as life changes and adaptations to learning how to live with the disease. Conclusion: Women had difficulty in performing their sexuality, and needed to change their lifestyle and empower themselves to live better.