Impact of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms on Daily Life in Individuals With Co-Existence Overactive and Underactive...

To explore the particular lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) that impact daily life in co-existent overactive and underactive bladder (COUB), overactive bladder (OAB), and underactive bladder (UAB) as symptom syndromes.

Using data from a nationwide, cross-sectional internet survey of adults aged ≥ 20 conducted in Japan, participants were categorized into COUB, OAB alone, UAB alone, and non-OAB/UAB groups according to the OAB symptom score and the provisional UAB definition of the International Continence Society working group. Participants were asked what symptoms affected their daily lives. The prevalence of LUTS and the particular LUTS affecting daily life were evaluated in each group.

Substantial proportions of participants in all groups had increased daytime frequency and nocturia. Even in the male OAB alone group, the prevalence of voiding symptoms was substantial. In almost all of the groups, storage symptoms accounted for more than approximately 80% of the particular LUTS that had the greatest impact on daily life, and nocturia ranked first, except for the male OAB alone group, with a 32% rate of urgency.

Although multiple LUTS affected daily life in individuals with COUB and UAB, storage symptoms, particularly nocturia, are likely to have the greatest impact of LUTS on daily life in those not only with OAB but also with UAB and COUB.