Toward a Better Understanding of Urinary Incontinence with Advancing Age

French study points to appropriate interventions for urge and mixed UI in older community-dwelling women.

Urinary incontinence (UI), which affects more than one third of women aged ≥70, impairs quality of life. UI in these older women is often mixed (urge and stress-related components) and has been associated with physical limitations. To better understand why advancing age is linked with UI, investigators studied a population of 1942 urban French women (mean age, 79; mean body-mass index, 26 kg/m²) living at home. Frequency and quantity of urinary leakage, impact of UI on daily life, and participants' mobility and balance were assessed.

UI was reported by 42% of women, more than half (57%) of whom reported daily leakage. Mixed UI had the highest prevalence (37%), followed by urge UI (31%) and stress UI (24%). In women with mixed or urge IU, deg…

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Toward a Better Understanding of Urinary Incontinence with Advancing Age

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Reviewing Author