Lower urinary tract symptoms in women with pelvic organ prolapse

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis: The objective of this study was to describe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and urinary incontinence (UI) symptoms in women with prolapse.

Methods: LUTS were measured with the urinary distress inventory (UDI) and UI symptoms with UDI and the Medical, Epidemiological and Social Aspects of Aging (MESA) in women with POPQ stage >or=I support. UI symptoms were classified as stress- or urge-only, stress-predominant or urge-predominant mixed, or mixed. Bladder function was assessed by urodynamics. Bi- and multivariable analyses were performed.

Results: Three hundred thirty-six women aged 62 +/- 13 years were characterized by UDI scores as having mixed 72% (n = 242), urge-only 24% (n = 80), and stress-only <1% (n = 1) UI symptoms. Of subjects with mixed UI symptoms, 57% (n = 137) were stress-predominant and 43% (n = 105) were urge-predominant. In multivariable regression models, advancing age and prolapse were associated with less reported distress related to stress UI symptoms. Prior hysterectomy was associated with higher total UDI scores. Similar findings were noted with MESA.

Conclusions: Mixed UI symptoms are the predominant symptom type in women with POP.