Effect of aging on urinary incontinence in woman.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate, in a group of female patients with urinary incontinence (UI), the effect of aging on: a) urodynamic findings; b) incidence of detrusor overactivity; c) types of urinary incontinence; d) pelvic organ prolapse; e) body mass index; f) anorectal disorders.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Eighty four consecutive patients with urinary incontinence were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to their age: group A: patients with age < or = 65 years, group B: patients with age > 65 years. Patients underwent a full urogynaecological workup with a clinical evaluation and urodynamic study.

RESULTS

In older patients urge and mixed urinary incontinence were the most prevalent type of (UI). In these patients an increase of the bladder sensation with a decrease of the bladder capacity, an increase of detrusor overactivity and a reduction of the maximum urethral closure pressure were found. Furthermore, a higher body mass index was observed in older patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study show an age-associated correlation of types of urinary incontinence, urodynamic findings, body mass index and incidence of detrusor overactivity.