Evidence of Common Pathophysiology Between Stress and Urgency Urinary Incontinence in Women

Urinary incontinence in women is commonly categorized as stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI). SUI occurs due to an increased intra-abdominal pressure caused by an unstable anatomical outlet of the bladder and can be successfully treated surgically. UUI, a combination of a symptom (urgency to void) and urinary incontinence, is considered to be caused by a neurological dysfunction of the bladder. Current treatment options can reduce the feeling of urgency, but effects on restoration of continence are less impressive. However, surgery for pelvic organ prolapse reduction leads to cure UUI, indicating a critical role of pelvic anatomy in the etiology of UUI. We hypothesized that incontinence in patients with UUI is caused by an anatomical instability at the bladder outlet leading to incontinence even under minor physical stress exerted on the bladder base.

Patients with UUI symptoms were asked to specify exactly when (in which body position) they involuntary lose urine after the feeling of urgency to void.

In total, 569 patients were evaluated between 2012 and 2020. Overall, 96% of the patients lost urine when they got up from a sitting position on their way to the toilet. Of the total study patients 3% lost urine already in the sitting position when they felt the urgency to void.

The current treatment options for UUI are based on the hypothesis that UUI is a neurological disorder. This study demonstrated that urinary incontinence in patients with UUI is dependent on an intact anatomical stability of the urethro-vesical junction under pressure. Therefore, treatment modalities should focus on the anatomical repair or support in that area.