Urinary Incontinence and Pelvic Organ Prolapse

The multifactorial pathophysiology of pelvic floor disorder accounts for the coexistence of several pelvic floor disorders in many women. Up to 54% of women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) report concurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI). While POP is a risk factor for coexistent SUI, apical and anterior prolapse can also conceal SUI symptoms that are unmasked by POP repair, resulting in de novo SUI postoperatively. It is important for pelvic reconstructive surgeons to consider the relationship between POP and urinary incontinence in presurgical planning and to discuss with patients the risks and advantages of concurrent versus staged anti-incontinence procedures.

Automated summary

The multifactorial pathophysiology of pelvic floor disorders in women often leads to the coexistence of several pelvic floor disorders, with pelvic organ prolapse being a risk factor for stress urinary incontinence. Prolapse repair surgeries may unmask hidden SUI symptoms, resulting in de novo SUI postoperatively. Surgeons should consider the relationship between POP and UI in presurgical planning and discuss the risks and benefits of concurrent versus staged anti-incontinence procedures with patients.