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The epidemiology of female urinary incontinence

  • Clinical Review
  • Published:
European Clinics in Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Abstract

Prevalence estimates of urinary incontinence (UI) in the community-dwelling population vary considerably, ranging between 10 and 50%, depending on definitions, survey methodology and survey sample. Meta-analysis of epidemiological studies concludes that a 30% prevalence of at least some degree of UI is a plausible estimate. The majority of affected women have symptoms of stress incontinence. At older age, urge incontinence and urgency symptoms become more prominent. The prevalence of severe and bothersome incontinence across studies is more consistent and ranges between 6% and 10%. Pregnancy and childbirth, age, obesity, lower urinary tract symptoms and functional and/or cognitive impairment are significantly related with the onset of UI. Menopause may give rise to symptoms of urgency, urge incontinence, frequency and nocturia. There is no clear relationship between menopause and the onset of stress incontinence. Prospective, longitudinal studies are needed to establish the relationship between the onset of UI and other medical correlates.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bernhoven Hospital, Oss, The Netherlands

    J. M. van Geelen

  2. Eikendreef 9a, 5342, HP, Oss, The Netherlands

    J. M. van Geelen

  3. Department of Public Health and primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway

    S. Hunskaar

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  1. J. M. van Geelen
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Correspondence to J. M. van Geelen.

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van Geelen, J.M., Hunskaar, S. The epidemiology of female urinary incontinence. Eur Clinics Obstet Gynecol 1, 3–11 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11296-004-0004-z

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