Prospective study of prevalence of overactive bladder symptoms and child-bearing in women of reproductive age.

AIM

The aim of the study was to verify the presence of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) symptoms in premenopausal women and relate them with child-bearing data.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We interviewed 1050 women aged 20-45 years in the area of Campinas, Brazil, to investigate the prevalence of OAB symptoms. In this study we used the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Overactive Bladder (ICIQ-OAB) questionnaire (International Continence Society standard), in its validated Portuguese version and a specific questionnaire for the demographics.

RESULTS

Overall, multiparous and primiparous women showed significantly higher scores in the ICIQ-OAB questionnaire than nulliparous women. Multiparous women also presented more frequency than nulliparous women (P < 0.0001). Nulliparous women presented less nocturia than primiparous or multiparous women (P < 0.0001). No significant differences were found in urgency (P = 0.0682), and multiparous women presented more urgency incontinence than nulliparous ones (P = 0.0313).

CONCLUSIONS

Nulliparous women presented fewer OAB symptoms than primiparous women. Multiparous women presented more symptoms than the other two groups. There were no significant differences between cesarean and vaginal delivery, but the scores of women who had vaginal delivery were higher than those who had cesareans. Both types of delivery were related to higher ICIQ-OAB scores (more severe symptoms) than those of nulliparous women.