Lower urinary tract symptoms in men and women without underlying disease causing micturition disorder: a cross-sectional study assessing the natural history of bladder function.

PURPOSE

We examined the influence of aging on bladder function in men and women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaire with an additional question on urinary incontinence lower urinary tract symptoms were evaluated in all outpatients who first visited our urological department from June 2001 to December 2002. In 550 of the 1,201 patients who completed the questionnaire any pathological conditions that might cause micturition disorder could not be detected with urological examinations. Symptom scores of these patients without underlying disease causing micturition disorder were the basis of this study.

RESULTS

In men and women total and storage symptom scores but not the voiding symptom score increased significantly with age. In each age group total, storage and voiding symp-tom scores were not significantly different between men and women. Women 50 to 69 years old had significant higher incontinence scores than men of the same age, whereas a significant increase in the incontinence score with age was found only in men. The quality of life score increased with age in men but not in women. However, the 2 sexes did not significantly differ in quality of life score.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower urinary tract symptoms, especially storage symptoms, showed age related alterations in the 2 sexes without any underlying disease causing micturition disorder. The prevalence of urinary symptoms was not different between men and women. Therefore, bladder function in each sex might be subject to a gender independent aging process.