Parity is not associated with urgency with or without urinary incontinence.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Evidence varies on the relation between parity and urgency or urge incontinence (UUI). We used data from the General Longitudinal Overactive Bladder Evaluation to determine whether differences in case definitions could account for variation in findings.

METHODS

We simulated case criteria to correspond to studies of urgency, UUI, and parity using data from 1,880 patients. Logistic models were run for each case-control scenario corresponding to previously used case definitions.

RESULTS

Parity was significantly associated with urgency (odds ratios (OR) 1.70; CI: 1.30-2.22) and UUI (odds ratios (OR) 1.87; CI: 1.34-2.60) only when the case criteria included individuals with stress incontinence (SUI). Parity was not associated with UUI when individuals with SUI were excluded or with urgency when individuals with incontinence were excluded.

CONCLUSIONS

Neither urgency nor UUI symptoms appear to be associated with parity among women 40 years of age and older. Previous associations appear to be explained by inclusion of individuals with SUI.