Assessing the influence of recurrent urinary tract infections on sexual function: a case–control study.

This article focuses on the impact of recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) on symptoms, quality of life, and sexual function in women. A case–control study involving 383 women with rUTIs and 161 healthy controls used the Acute Cystitis Symptom Score (ACSS) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires to assess urinary and sexual symptoms. Results showed that women with rUTIs experienced significantly greater urinary discomfort, interference with work and social activities, and impairments across all FSFI domains, including lower sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction, as well as increased pain during and after intercourse. The study highlights the importance of integrating sexual health assessment and targeted interventions into the management of women with rUTIs, noting differences in sexual function between fertile and menopausal women.