[Urinary incontinence during 12 years after delivery]

First pregnancy and delivery often result in urinary incontinence. The aim of this 12-year cohort study was to estimate the impact of incontinence and the need for treatment.

A total of 305 women were questioned about lower urinary tract symptoms a few days, three months, five years and 12 years after their first delivery.

A total of 242 women (79%) answered a questionnaire 12 years after their first delivery. Urinary incontinence increased significantly (p < 0.05) during the 12-year period to a total of 114 symptomatic women (47%); 25 of 102 women had stress incontinence (SI) and seven of 49 women had urge incontinence (UI) for at least 12 years. Three of 114 incontinent women (2.6%) had received treatment, while 162 women had exercised the pelvic floor the previous three months. None underwent SI surgery. Eighteen incontinent women wanted treatment; six of whom had SI alone and 12 of whom had both SI and UI. Among the 18 SI women ten had daily symptoms, while nine experienced social or hygienic inconvenience. Among the 86 incontinent women who did not want treatment, 51 had SI alone, 24 had both SI and UI, and 11 women had UI alone. Among the 75 SI women, five had daily symptoms, while ten experienced social or hygienic inconvenience.

Urinary incontinence is prevalent 12 years after first delivery, though few receive treatment. Incontinence severity is associated with a desire for treatment.