Urethral and vaginal infections, age of patients and state of the pelvic floor in the aetiology of the irritative symptoms of the lower urinary tract in women.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of a) urethral and/or vaginal infections caused by common germs or Mycoplasmas, Chlamydia, Candida; b) age of patients; c) pelvic floor disorders in the development of irritative urinary symptoms in women.

METHODS: 77 consecutive abacteriuric symptomatic female patients were compared with 55 asymptomatic women. A detailed micturition history and a genitourinary physical examination were performed. Urine samples as well as vaginal and urethral swabs were taken for cultures.

RESULTS: No statistical difference was found between the two groups regarding both urethral and/or vaginal infections and pelvic floor disorders. Whereas a significant statistical difference was found in the age of the patients. In the symptomatic group the women were older than in the asymptomatic group.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study confirm that ageing is a very important cause in the development of the lower urinary tract symptoms in women.