Contemporary Review of Male and Female Climacturia and Urinary Leakage During Sexual Activities

Abstract

Introduction: Urinary leakage during sexual activity is a prevalent and often distressing condition that is under-addressed despite having a range of reasonable treatment options.

Aim: To review the available literature on prevalence, pathophysiology, and treatment of urinary leakage during sexual activities.

Methods: A literature review was performed through PubMed from 1996 to 2017 regarding urinary leakage during sexual activities for men and women including foreplay incontinence, coital incontinence, and climacturia.

Main outcome measures: To assess various physiologic and social factors of urinary leakage during sexual activities for men and women, treatment options, and their reported outcomes.

Results: Urinary leakage during sexual activity is a prevalent condition that is underdiagnosed and undertreated. The pathophysiology of sexual incontinence is very similar between men and women and is influenced by injury to the pelvic and pudendal nerves, pelvic floor and external sphincter incompetence, and detrusor overactivity. There are different treatment options that are effective and should be offered to patients bothered by their symptoms.

Conclusion: Improved awareness is critical for better addressing the issue of sexual incontinence. There is likely a common pathophysiologic pathway between men and women and many treatment options are effective. However, further study is required to better elucidate this disease process and most effective treatment options. Mendez MH, Sexton SJ, Lentz AC. Contemporary Review of Male and Female Climacturia and Urinary Leakage During Sexual Activities. Sex Med Rev 2018;6:16-28.

Keywords: Climacturia; Coital Incontinence; Foreplay Incontinence; Orgasm Incontinence; Sexual Dysfunction; Sexual Incontinence; Urinary Incontinence.