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. 2009 May;200(5):552.e1-7.
doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2008.11.006. Epub 2009 Feb 27.

Urinary frequency in community-dwelling women: what is normal?

Emily S Lukacz  1 , Emily L Whitcomb, Jean M Lawrence, Charles W Nager, Karl M Luber
Affiliations

Urinary frequency in community-dwelling women: what is normal?

Emily S Lukacz et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2009 May.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess urinary frequency in community-dwelling women.

Study design: Voiding habits were assessed in 4061 women 25-84 years of age using survey responses from the Epidemiology of Prolapse and Incontinence Questionnaire. Bother related to daytime and nighttime frequency was assessed with 100-mm visual analog scales and compared using t tests and analysis of variance.

Results: Median daytime frequency was every 3-4 hours. Urinary frequency every 2 hours or more occurred in 27% and was more bothersome than every 3-4 hours or less (51.7 +/- 30.1 mm vs 23.6 +/- 23.7 mm; P < .001). Nocturia was reported in 72%, whereas 33% had 2 or more voids per night. Bother increased with increasing nighttime frequency (27.3 +/- 26.3 for 1 time vs 57.3 +/- 28.5 for > or = 2 times; P < .001).

Conclusion: Bothersome urinary frequency is common and occurs when frequency is at least every 2 hours by day and more than once per night.

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