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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
05:25
Ultrasonography of the Adult Male Urinary Tract for Urinary Functional Testing
Published on: August 14, 2019
Is there an association between fecal incontinence and lower urinary dysfunction?
J Manning1, A A Eyers, A Korda
1Urogynaecology Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Diseases of the Colon and Rectum
|June 8, 2001
Summary
Females with lower urinary tract dysfunction experience higher rates of fecal incontinence. Childbirth trauma may play a role, though the exact mechanism requires further investigation for these common conditions.
Area of Science:
- Urogynecology
- Pelvic Floor Disorders
- Female Health
Background:
- Urinary and fecal incontinence are prevalent and distressing conditions in females.
- Shared pathophysiologic mechanisms suggest a potential link between these conditions.
- Understanding this association is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of fecal incontinence in females with lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) compared to controls.
- To identify predisposing factors associated with LUTD and concurrent fecal incontinence.
- To explore the relationship between specific urodynamic diagnoses and fecal incontinence.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 1000 females undergoing urodynamic investigation for LUTD.
- Comparison with 148 age- and gender-matched community controls.
- Data collection through detailed questionnaires and review of investigation results.
Main Results:
- Fecal incontinence (frequent and occasional) was significantly more prevalent in females with LUTD than in controls.
- Symptoms of fecal urgency and urge incontinence were higher in those with detrusor instability or sensory urgency.
- No significant association was found between individual obstetric factors and fecal incontinence in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- An association exists between genuine stress incontinence, lower urinary tract dysfunction, and fecal incontinence symptoms.
- The precise role of childbirth trauma in the development of these conditions remains unclear.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking these pelvic floor disorders.
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