A study of female urinary incontinence in general practice. Demography, medical history, and clinical findings.

The aim of this study was to provide valid data on the demography, medical history and clinical findings among adult women presenting with urinary incontinence to general practitioners. In a rural community in Norway, all women > 20 years who consulted their general practitioner for urinary incontinence during a 3 year period were included in a prospective study. A thorough medical history and both a general and focused clinical examination were undertaken. Gynecological examination, stress provocation test, and 48 h frequency/volume chart and pad weighing test were also performed. 105 women were included (4.4% of women > 20 years in the total population). Mean age was 57 years, 64% were postmenopausal. A lot of comorbidity was reported. Duration of incontinence was > 5 years in 49%. By a severity index, 64% were classified as severe, 28% as moderate and 8% as having slight incontinence. 59% were using protective pads or garments. Mean leakage per 24 h was 31 g. 38% had significant genital prolapse. Contractility of the pelvic floor muscles was weak in 28%. Diagnostic classification revealed 50% stress incontinence, 10% urge and 40% mixed incontinence. 42% of the patients were a great deal or much bothered by their incontinence. Patients with stress incontinence were less bothered than others. Women presenting with urinary incontinence at a primary care level are prevalent, and often have significant incontinence. It is a challenge for the general practitioners to investigate and treat these patients optimally.