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A review of the effect of faecal incontinence and constipation on sexual function

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International Journal of Colorectal Disease Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Aim

Faecal incontinence and constipation are common conditions which may adversely affect quality of life. They may have an adverse effect on sexual function.

Method

This review of the published literature aimed to assess the published evidence.

Results

Only seven published studies have reported the effect of these conditions on sexual function. Four reported on those with faecal incontinence. Two reported on those with faecal incontinence and constipation and one reported solely on constipation. All were questionnaire-based studies or retrospective reviews of institutional databases. A heterogenous mix of different measures of sexual function were applied. Conflicting findings were reported. Some studies suggested that those with faecal incontinence and constipation may have adverse sexual experiences. Others suggest that these pelvic floor disorders have no significant effect.

Conclusion

Further work is needed to investigate this. Large questionnaire studies with normal subject controls and adjustment for confounding factors are likely to be needed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Sir Alan Parks Department of Physiology, St Mark’s Hospital and Academic Institute, Watford Road, Harrow, HA1 3UJ, UK

    G. P. Thomas, Y. Maeda & C. J. Vaizey

Authors
  1. G. P. Thomas
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  2. Y. Maeda
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  3. C. J. Vaizey
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Correspondence to G. P. Thomas.

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What does this paper add to the literature:

This is the first published review of the effect of faecal and flatus incontinence and constipation on sexual function. This highlights a significant problem which is often overlooked.

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Thomas, G.P., Maeda, Y. & Vaizey, C.J. A review of the effect of faecal incontinence and constipation on sexual function. Int J Colorectal Dis 34, 387–391 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-018-03231-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-018-03231-9

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