Incontinence Runs in Families

Vaginal delivery has been implicated as a risk factor for stress urinary incontinence. In fact, many urogynecologists recommend elective cesarean section to prevent incontinence (see Journal Watch Women’s Health Jul 9 2003). However, the scientific basis is not well substantiated, as many studies have used unvalidated surveys and potentially weak power calculations. In the current study, researchers evaluated rates of incontinence (stress, urge, and mixed) in 143 postmenopausal nulliparous women and their 143 postmenopausal biologic sisters who had undergone at least one vaginal delivery.

All sisters completed questionnaires on demographic variables, obstetric history, and type and severity of incontinence. The rate of any urinary incontinen…