Prevalence of painful bladder syndrome in older women.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the prevalence of and symptoms associated with painful bladder syndrome (PBS) in a population of older women, utilizing the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) cohort.

METHODS

In 2004, NHS participants were asked by mailed questionnaire, "In the past 10 years, have you experienced bladder or pelvic pain associated with urinary symptoms for more than 3 consecutive months?" Women who responded "yes" were sent a detailed supplementary questionnaire. A severity score was calculated according to information about symptoms and bother in the previous 6 months.

RESULTS

The PBS screening question was answered by 67,095 participants. A supplemental questionnaire was sent to all 4005 women who answered yes, and 3042 (76%) responded. Symptoms consistent with PBS were reported by 1548 respondents (51%), representing 2.3% of the screened cohort. The prevalence of PBS was 1.7% in those younger than 65 years and increased progressively to 4.0% in women aged 80 years and older (P trend <0.001). Severity, based on both symptoms and bother, was mild in 14.8% of women with PBS, moderate in 29.0%, and severe in 56.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Painful bladder syndrome is a common condition in women. The prevalence of PBS increases with age, and the vast majority of women with PBS have moderate or severe symptoms.