Lower urinary tract symptoms in women

Abstract

Purpose of review: To summarize recent population-based literature on the prevalence and consequences of urinary incontinence and overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in women and describe our present knowledge regarding known risk factors.

Recent findings: The prevalence of urinary incontinence in women ranged from 5 to 69%, with most studies reporting a prevalence of any urinary incontinence in the range of 25-45%. In a longitudinal population study in which women were followed for 16 years, the overall prevalence of urinary incontinence increased from 15 to 28%, and the incidence rate of urinary incontinence was 21%, whereas the corresponding remission rate was 34%. Increasing evidence is now available regarding a genetic component in the cause of stress urinary incontinence. The reported prevalence of OAB in women varied between 7.7 and 31.3%, and in general, prevalence rates increased with age. In a longitudinal study, the prevalence of OAB, nocturia and daytime micturition frequency of eight or more times per day increased by 9, 20 and 3%, respectively, in a cohort of women followed from 1991 to 2007. The incidence of OAB was 20%, and the corresponding remission rate was 43%.

Summary: Urinary incontinence and OAB are highly prevalent conditions. The cost of illness for urinary incontinence and OAB is a substantial economic and human burden and is likely to increase further in the future, highlighting the need for effective forms of management.