Lifetime risk of surgery for stress urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse

Understanding and applying the epidemiology and lifetime risk of surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is necessary to provide quality care to a growing and aging female population. Both SUI and POP are prevalent medical conditions, affecting 15-17% and 3-6% of women respectively. While generally not life-threatening, they represent a significant public health burden as they are associated with a decreased quality of life and significant economic impact. Although treatment is considered elective, for many women, the decision to address SUI or POP is necessary in order to regain a normal lifestyle and the lifetime risk for undergoing surgery to address either stress urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse is 20.5%. This review includes a brief overview of the epidemiology of both disorders, followed by discussion of both landmark and recent literature regarding the lifetime risk of surgery for either disorder. Additionally, we will review re-operation rates, trends in management, and future care needs.