Differences in continence system between community-dwelling black and white women with and without urinary...

We sought to compare continence system function of black and white women in a population-based sample.

As part of a cross-sectional population-based study, black and white women ages 35-64 years were invited to have pelvic floor testing to achieve prespecified groups of women with and without urinary incontinence. We analyzed data collected from 335 women classified as continent (n = 137) and stress (n = 102) and urge (n = 96) incontinent based on full bladder stress test and symptoms. Continence system functions were compared across racial and continence groups.

Comparing black to white women, maximal urethral closure pressure (MUCP) was 22% higher in blacks than whites (68.0 vs 55.8 cm H(2)O, P < .0001). White and black women with stress incontinence had MUCP 19% and 23% lower than continent women. MUCP in urge incontinent white women was as low as stress incontinent whites, but blacks with urge had normal urethral function.

Black women have higher urethral closure pressures than white women. White women with urge incontinence, but not black women, have reduced MUCP.