European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

URINARY INCONTINENCE IN WOMEN AND THE MAJOR RISK FACTORS

*Dr. Nandita Biswas and Dr. Arup Jyoti Rout

ABSTRACT

Introduction- Urinary incontinence though common in the reproductive age group women, is often underreported. Factors like age, pregnancy and childbirth, excessive body weight have been reported as risk factors for future development of incontinence in women. Methods- 340 women of reproductive age group attending gynaecological OPD were interviewed regarding presence of urinary incontinence, parity, mode of delivery, birth weight of baby etc. BMI calculated for each respondent. Statistical analysis- was done by Chi Square test. Results- Prevalence of incontinence in the study population was 18.24%. Among the incontinent women, 14.51% were of <25 year age group whereas 33.87% were >35 year in age. 69.35% women in the incontinent group were multipara. 64.99% of incontinent women were delivered vaginally among whom 11.66% had instrumental vaginal delivery. 35% had caesarian section. 63.9% of incontinent women were either overweight or obese with BMI >25. Conclusion- Incidence of urinary incontinence in women increases with advancing age and parity. Caesarian section does not give protection against future development of urinary incontinence. Obesity is another independent risk factor in this regard.

Keywords: Urinary incontinence, pregnancy, childbirth.