Risk factors for lower urinary tract symptoms in women 40 to 60 years of age

Objective: To determine the relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms and possible associated risk factors in women 40-60 years old. Methods: In a normal population study, 502 women with lower urinary tract symptoms and 742 women with no symptoms (controls) were asked about possible associated factors. Results: Four hundred eighty-seven women (97.0%) with symptoms and 564 controls (76.0%) completed the study. Stress incontinence was associated with parity (primipara odds ratio [OR] 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0, 4.9; para 2 OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.9, 8.0; para 3 OR 4.5, 95% CI 2.1, 9.5), use of diuretics (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2, 3.9), hysterectomy (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.6, 3.7), and increased body mass index (BMI). Urge incontinence was associated with use of diuretics (OR 4.0, 95% CI 2.2, 7.1) and BMI. Urgency was associated with parity (primipara OR 1.9, 95% CI 0.9, 4.2; para 2 OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.5, 5.9; para 3 OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.5, 6.5), use of diuretics (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.5, 4.7) and BMI. Associations between non-incontinence symptoms (except urgency) and observed factors were weak and inconsistent. Straining at stool and constipation were inversely associated with lower urinary tract symptoms. Overall, lesion of sphincter ani, episiotomy, fetal weight, physical activity, and hormonal status had minor association with lower urinary tract symptoms. Conclusion: Lower urinary tract symptoms were associated positively with parity, BMI, prior hysterectomy, use of diuretics, straining at stool, and constipation. (Obstet Gynecol 2000;96:446-51.) (C) 2000 by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.).