title: Female sexual dysfunction, voiding symptoms and depression: common findings in partners of men with erectile dysfunction.
abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD), urinary symptoms, and depressive symptoms in female partners of men presenting with erectile dysfunction (ED). A multi-component questionnaire was administered to female partners of men with erectile dysfunction presenting to a urology center. It contained a standardized sexual function component (the Brief Index of Sexual Function for Women), a depression scale (Centers for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression, CES-D), a demographics questionnaire and a general medical questionnaire. A total of 73 consecutive female partners of male patients presenting with ED, were surveyed using the questionnaire at their counterpart's visit. Fifty-two women responded, of whom 50 filled out the questionnaire adequately for proper evaluation. This indicated a response rate of 68% (50/73). The mean age was 44.8 years (range 20.0-83.0). Thirty-eight of the 50 women (76%) reported being sexually active. A variety of sexual behaviors were reported including 40% (20/50) of women engaging in vaginal intercourse. Sexual dysfunction symptoms included: anxiety/inhibition (26%), hypoactive desire (20%), arousal/lubrication difficulty (30%), orgasmic difficulty (24%), dyspareunia (18%), incontinence during intercourse (8%), and sexual dissatisfaction (34%). Eight women (16%) reported difficulty communicating sexual issues with their partners. Forty-one women (82%) rated sexual activity as an important part of their lives. Urinary symptoms of frequency and urgency were reported by 18/50 (36%). Depressive symptoms were present in 22/50 (44%). FSD disorders, urinary symptoms and depressive symptoms are common in partners of men with erectile dysfunction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, Atchley Pavilion, 11th Floor, 161 Fort Washington Ave, New York, NY 10032, USA. RS66@columbia.edu
authors.forename: Ridwan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Shabsigh
authors.forename: Aristotelis
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Anastasiades
authors.forename: Kimberly L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: Matthew P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Rutman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications*; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000150:complications*; D012747:Sexual Partners; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000150:complications*