The effect of duloxetine on female sexual functions in the treatment of stress incontinence

Objectives Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is defined as urinary incontinence that occurs with coughing, sneezing, and physical exercise. It is frequently observed in women after middle age and has a negative impact on their sexual function. Duloxetine as one of the Serotonin–noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) is commonly used in the non-surgical treatment of SUI. The aim of our study is to investigate the effect of duloxetine, which is used in the treatment of SUI, on sexual functions in female patients. Methods The study included 40 sexually active patients who received duloxetine 40 mg twice a day for the treatment of SUI. All patients had female sexual function index (FSFI), Beck’s depression inventory (BDI), and incontinence quality of life score (I-QOL) applied before and 2 months after starting duloxetine treatment. Results FSFI total score significantly increased from 19.9 to 25.7 ( p < 0.001). In addition, significant improvement was observed in all sub-parameters of FSFI, including arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain/discomfort ( p < 0.001, for each FSFI subtotal score). BDI significantly decreased from 4.5 to 1.5 ( p < 0.001). I-QOL score significantly increased from 57.6 to 92.7 after the duloxetine treatment. Conclusions Although SNRIs carry a high risk of sexual dysfunction, duloxetine may have an indirect positive effect on female sexual activity, both through its stress incontinence treatment and its antidepressant effect. In our study, Duloxetine, one of the treatment options for stress urinary incontinence and an SNRI, has a positive effect on stress urinary incontinence, mental health, and sexual activity in patients with SUI.