Incontinence & Intimate Partners: Assessing the Contribution of Treatment

The importance of this study is to characterize, using validated, quantifiable methods the
quality of the relationship in couples affected by UUI and to identify the role that
treatment plays in improving this relationship. Our central hypothesis is that UUI has a
negative impact upon the emotional and physical well-being of a relationship and that
effective treatment will result in improvement in areas of the relationship that have been
detrimentally affected by UUI. Understanding of UUI in the context of a couple, particularly
from the perspective of the male partner, will improve our ability to holistically treat
UUI, thus improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Women will eligible for inclusion in the study if they are:

- Age ≥ 18 years, and

- In a relationship with a male partner for at least 3 months, and

- Not pregnant (pregnancy test will be done at study enrollment) or planning to become
pregnant, and

- Have a diagnosis of UUI or Mixed Urinary Incontinence, urge predominant, based upon a
3 day voiding diary, and

- Are interested in medical management of their symptoms and are candidates for
Vesicare, and

- Able to provide informed consent and complete the written questionnaires.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Post Voided Residual > 200 ml at initial visit

- Significant outflow obstruction

- Persistent/recurrent Urinary Tract Infection

- Bladder stones

- A diagnosis of chronic interstitial cystitis

- Undergone pelvic irradiation

- Current pelvic malignancy

- Narrow angle glaucoma

- Urinary or gastric retention

- Current use of a tricyclic antidepressant

- A neurologic diagnosis that could affect bladder function (MS)

- A diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain

- An active psychotic disorder

- Or their partner is non-English speaking

- Decline permission for the study team to approach their partner regarding
participation