Menopause and stress urinary incontinence: The risk factors of stress urinary incontinence in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE

The prevalence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) increases around menopause. The quality of life of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with SUI is significantly affected. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of SUI and the associated risk factors in a population of Chinese perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

METHODS

A total of 273 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women were enrolled, and a cross-sectional study was conducted. SUI was defined as an involuntary loss of urine with increases in abdominal pressure. Data including personal characteristics, menopause information, estrogen levels, and pelvic floor muscle strength levels were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 158 (57.9%) perimenopausal and 115 (42.1%) postmenopausal women. Sixty-six (41.8%) perimenopausal women and 56 (48.7%) postmenopausal women complained of SUI. The mean age was 49.42 ± 5.58 years. Body mass index over 24 kg/m2 (odds ratio [OR] 2.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-3.81), vaginal delivery (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.33-4.58), and diabetes (OR 4.65, 95% CI 1.23-17.62) were high-risk factors for SUI. Climacteric symptoms (evaluated by Kupperman index scores) were statistically related to SUI, and among the 13 symptoms, insomnia, nervousness, weakness and fatigue, arthralgia and myalgia, headache, palpitation, and sexual complaints were all correlated with SUI in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

CONCLUSIONS

Several factors are associated with SUI in Chinese perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Obesity, vaginal delivery, climacteric symptoms, and diabetes were identified as the most notable risk factors. The management strategy could focus on the prevention and management of risk factors.