[Risk factors of lower urinary tract symptoms in women aged 40-60 years]

The study was carried out to determine the relation between lower urinary tract symptoms and possible associated factors in women aged 40-60 years.

In a normal population study, 502 women with lower urinary tract symptoms and 742 women without symptoms (controls) were asked about possible associated factors.

Four hundred and eighty-seven (97.0%) women with symptoms and 564 (76.0%) controls completed the study. Stress incontinence was associated with parity (primipara: OR = 2.2 [95% CI: 1.0; 4.9]; para II: OR = 3.9 [95% CI: 1.9; 8.0]; para III: OR = 4.5 [95% CI: 2.1; 9.5]), the use of diuretics (OR = 2.2 [95% CI: 1.2; 3.9]), hysterectomy (OR = 2.4 [95% CI: 1.6; 3.7]), and increased BMI. Urge incontinence was associated with the use of diuretics (OR = 4.0 [95% CI: 2.2; 7.1]) and increased BMI. Urgency was associated with parity (primipara: OR = 1.9 [95% CI: 0.9; 4.2]; para II: OR = 3.0 [95% CI: 1.5; 5.9]; para III: OR = 3.1 [95% CI: 1.5; 6.5]), the use of diuretics (OR = 2.7 [95% CI: 1.5; 4.7]) and increased BMI. Associations between non-incontinence symptoms (except urgency) and the factors studied were weak and inconsistent. Straining at stool and constipation were inversely associated with lower urinary tract symptoms. Overall, lesion of the anal sphincter, episiotomy, fetal weight, physical activity, and hormonal status had a minor, if any, association with lower urinary tract symptoms.

Lower urinary tract symptoms were associated positively with parity, BMI, prior hysterectomy, use of diuretics, straining at stool, and constipation.