Psychosocial and sexual wellbeing in women living with anal incontinence.

In this study the authors aimed to examine quality of life (QoL), sexual function (SF), and associated factors among 136 women with anal incontinence (AI). Data were collected using the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (FIQLS), the Index of Female Sexual Function (IFSF), and the Wexner incontinence score. The mean Wexner score was 12.97 ± 4.47, indicating severe incontinence. Mean IFSF scores (17.09 ± 7.76) indicated a high risk of sexual dysfunction, while the mean total FIQLS score was 58.94 ± 20.34. Significant negative correlations were identified between age, symptom duration, incontinence severity, and both QoL and SF scores (p < 0.05). Women with greater symptom severity and longer symptom duration reported poorer QoL and SF. Our findings suggest that AI is a multidimensional and stigmatized women's health condition affecting intimacy, emotional wellbeing, and everyday life. Culturally sensitive and holistic care may improve recognition and support for affected women.