Epidemiology, perception and treatment of females presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms at a government hospital in central India

Abstract

Aim: To study the epidemiological and sociological features, and patient’s perception of various lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in females, coming to our institution in central India; thus creating awareness among treating physicians as well as patients. Material and method: This study is a prospective epidemiological study of 51 adult female patients with LUTS, who attended the surgery and gynecology OPD in our institution. The study is based on history and clinical examination of patients in OPD. Complete history of complaints, associated symptoms and obstetric history was taken. General and local examination, including per vaginal and per speculum examination, was done and data were analyzed. Results: More than half of the females with LUTS were middle aged (31-55yrs). The most common symptom was frequency. Education level was very low in three fourth of them. The first consultation was taken after months or even years after appearance of symptoms in about two third of cases. Half of the patients with stress incontinence were elderly (aged 55 years or more), all were multi-para (parity 3 or more), more than half had associated pelvic organ prolapse and 40% had history of hysterectomy. Conclusion: An Indian female with LUTS, usually treated as a case of UTI, needs to be better evaluated by the treating physician. The high prevalence of risk factors for LUTS, such as multi-parity, negligent attitude towards the symptoms and late presentation to seek medical care in most of the Indian females, is due to unawareness, lack of education and motivation.