Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Short Form Research Articles

Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Impact on Quality of Life Due to Urinary Incontinence Among Palestinian Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common condition that affects females with variable incidence. Factors like age, obesity, weak pelvic floor, and pregnancy contribute to UI pathogenesis. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of UI and identify associated risk factors. A cross-sectional study recruited females aged 18-65 attending primary health care (PHC) centers. The collected data included demographic information and questionnaire scores for urinary incontinence diagnosis (QUID), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence (ICIQ-UI), and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form (IIQ-7) scores. Three hundred and eleven females met our inclusion criteria, with 162 (52.1%) participants aged ≥ 42 years. Approximately 41.5% were college/university graduates, and 23.2% had an education level less than high school. Moreover, 108 (34.7%) participants were smokers, 223 (71.7%) drank coffee, and approximately 212 (68.2%) drank tea. Only 125 (40.2%) participants engaged in exercise at variable frequencies, and most of them exercised once per week. Approximately 27.3% of the participants had chronic medical illness with hypertension or diabetes mellitus (40 (12.9%) or 25 (8%), respectively). Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) was found among 152 (48.9%) participants, while urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) was found among 114 (36.7%) participants. Age ≥ 42, marital status, low educational level, unemployment, lack of physical activity, and chronic medical illnesses were significantly correlated with both SUI and UUI. There was a strong correlation between UI and the severity of symptoms and between UI and quality of life (QoL). The prevalence of UI is relatively high among Palestinian women. Many factors contributing to UI included age, marital status, the presence of other chronic medical diseases, and a lack of physical activity. Early detection and diagnosis are necessary to provide effective treatment and improve UI symptoms and QoL.

Utility of opportunistic screening to assess the impact of urinary incontinence on quality of life and barriers to seeking treatment among women attending a tertiary healthcare centre in North India

IntroductionUrinary incontinence (UI) is a common but frequently neglected problem in females, significantly impacting their psychosocial health. The available estimates are an underestimation of a bigger problem. Thus, the study aimed to estimate the prevalence of UI, its associated risk factors, its impact on the Quality of life (QoL), and barriers to treatment-seeking behaviour in women attending tertiary healthcare centres.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study using an opportunistic screening among women visiting a tertiary care hospital in Punjab recruited using multi-stage systematic random sampling. UI was classified as Stress (SUI), Urge (UUI), mixed (MUI), and No Incontinence (UI less than once a week or a month or no complaints) using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF). Bivariate analyses were done using the chi-square test to test the association between the dependent and independent variables. The predictors of UI were explored using univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression and depicted using Odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals. The impact of UI on Quality of Life (QoL) was assessed using the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form (IIQ-7), and compared among the three UI types using One-Way ANOVA. Treatment barriers were explored using open-ended questions.ResultsOf the 601 women, 19.6% reported UI (stress UI: 10.1%, mixed UI: 6.0%, and urge UI: 3.5%). There were significant clinical-social factors that predicted different types of UI. The UI depicted a significant effect on QoL across all domains of the IIQ-7 (total mean score: 50.8 ± 21.9) compared to women with no incontinence (0.1 + 1.9). The score was highest in women with MUI, followed by SUI and UUI. About two-thirds of the affected women never consulted a doctor and considered it a non-serious condition or a normal ageing process.ConclusionsThe present study found a high prevalence of UI through opportunistic screening across all the women’s age groups with different conditions. Due to the associated stigma, clinicians should make every attempt to talk more about this, especially in women with medical conditions that can precipitate UI. Furthermore, the results call for generating more robust estimates through community-based screening studies.

Effect of Electroacupuncture Combined with Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise on Urinary Symptoms, Sexual Dysfunction and Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength in Female Patients with Overactive Bladder: A Retrospective Study.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture combined with pelvic floor muscle exercise in the treatment of female overactive bladder (OAB). The clinical data of 134 female patients with OAB admitted to our hospital from April 2022 to June 2023 were retrospectively analysed. The patients were divided into the combination group (n = 74) and the single group (n = 60). The general demographic data, total effective rate, pad weight, female sexual function index (FSFI) score, oxford muscle grading scale and incontinence impact questionnaire short form (IIQ-7) were collected. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match the baseline data of the two groups at 1:1 ratio, and t test, chi-square test and analysis of variance were used for calculation. A total of 90 patients were selected after PSM. No significant difference in baseline data was found between the two groups (p > 0.05). Before treatment, no significant difference in FSFI score, oxford muscle grading scale and IIQ-7 score was found between the two groups (p > 0.05). The total effective rate of the combination group was higher than that of the single group (p < 0.05). After 3 weeks and 1 month of treatment, in addition to orgasm and sexual desire, the scores of sexual excitement and sexual satisfaction in the combination group were higher than those in the single group (p < 0.05). The combination group displayed higher oxford muscle grading scale and lower IIQ-7 and pad weight than the single group, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The effect of electroacupuncture stimulation combined with pelvic floor muscle exercise is more significant, which can alleviate urinary symptoms, reduce urine leakage, enhance pelvic floor muscle strength and alleviate sexual dysfunction.

The relationship between bladder functions, pelvic floor muscle strength, fall, and fatigue in multiple sclerosis.

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the severity of bladder functions, fatigue, quality of life (QoL), fall, and pelvic floor muscle strength in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS). Patients were divided into two groups according to their Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) bladder scores as Group 1 (EDSS bladder score 0-1, mildly affected group, n=25) and Group 2 (EDSS bladder score 2-3-4, moderate and severely affected group, n=21). Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength (EMG-Biofeedback device), fear of fall (Fall Efficacy Scale (FES-1)), fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)), QoL (Urogenital Distress Inventory-short form (UDI-6), and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-short form (IIQ-7)) were evaluated. 46 female patients diagnosed with MS were included in this study. No significant differences in baseline characteristics were seen between the groups except age. EDSS bladder score were 1 (0-1) and 3 (2-4), EMG-Biofeedback score were 79,5±8,11 and 41,7±5,48, FSS score were 38,7±2,80 and 54±2,20, FES-I score were 16,9±2,15 and 40,2±7,39, UDI-6 score were 4,24±0,47 and 8,42±0,64, IIQ-7 score were 3,64±0,86 and 18,2±1,42 in Group 1 and Group 2. As a result of statistical analysis, significant differences were found in less fatigue and fall, higher PFM strength and better QoL with mildly affected PwMS (p<0,05). There was a significant difference in terms of bladder function level in PFM strength, fall, fatigue and QoL between the mildly affected group and the moderate and severely affected group.

Urinary incontinence more than 15 years after premenopausal risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy: a multicentre cross-sectional study.

To study the impact of premenopausal risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO), compared with postmenopausal RRSO, on urinary incontinence (UI) ≥10 years later. Cross-sectional study, nested in a nationwide cohort. Multicentre in the Netherlands. 750 women (68% BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant carriers) who underwent either premenopausal RRSO (≤45 years, n = 496) or postmenopausal RRSO (≥54 years, n = 254). All participants were ≥55 years at the time of the study. Urinary incontinence was assessed by the urinary distress inventory-6 (UDI-6); a score ≥33.3 indicated symptomatic UI. The incontinence impact questionnaire short form (IIQ-SF) was used to assess the impact on women's health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). Differences between groups were analysed using regression analyses adjusting for current age and other confounders. Differences in UDI-6 scores and IIQ-SF scores between women with a premenopausal and a postmenopausal RRSO. Women in the premenopausal RRSO group had slightly higher UDI-6 scores compared with women in the postmenopausal RRSO group (P = 0.053), and their risk of symptomatic UI was non-significantly increased (odds ratio [OR] 2.1, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.93-4.78). A premenopausal RRSO was associated with a higher risk of stress UI (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.2-10.0) but not with urge UI. The proportions of women with a significant impact of UI on HR-QoL were similar in the premenopausal and postmenopausal RRSO groups (10.4% and 13.0%, respectively; P = 0.46). More than 15 years after premenopausal RRSO, there were no significant differences in overall symptomatic UI between women with a premenopausal and those with a postmenopausal RRSO.

The investigation of cognition, proprioception, sensory and physical function in stroke patients with urinary incontinence.

This study aimed to investigate cognition, proprioception, and sensory/physical function in stroke patients with urinary incontinence (UI). A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 53 individuals with stroke (23 had UI and 21 matched controls). The Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Short Form (IIQ-7) and Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) were used to assess the patients' UI symptoms. Participants were also evaluated with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Barthel Index (BI), Fugl-Meyer Sensory Assessment (FMA-S), Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSST), Functional Reach Test (FRT) and Proprioception Test. FTSST, FRT and FMA-S were better in stroke subjects without UI (p < 0.05). There was a moderate correlation between IIQ-7 with FMA-S, FTSST and proprioception (left extremity) (r1: -0.415, r2: 0.440, r3: 0.430, p < 0.05) and a low correlation with BI (r: -0.356, p < 0.05). Individuals with UI had worse sensory/motor function and static balance. Stroke patients with UI were more dependent, had less sensory function, and had worse lower extremity muscle strength and proprioception as the level of urinary incontinence increased. To reduce urinary incontinence, emphasis on motor/sensory function, balance, and proprioception should be considered.

Translation and validation of Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Short Form in the Urdu language.

The Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Short Form (IIQ-7 SF) is a self-administered questionnaire that is used to assess the impact of urinary incontinence on the quality of life in women. It is translated into different languages; however, there is currently no official Urdu version of this tool. The main purpose of this study was to translate the IIQ-7 SF into the Urdu language and to find out its validity and reliability in women with urinary incontinence. The IIQ-7 was translated into the Urdu language by following the standardized steps. The original version was translated into Urdu by two translators and the back translation into English was done by an independent translator. A panel of experts reviewed the translations and a final version was drafted. Fifteen women with urinary incontinence were involved in the pilot study. The validity and reliability were then assessed on 70 women with urinary incontinence. The content validity index (CVI) of each question ranged from 0.91 to 0.94. The convergent validity with UDI-6 was determined by using Spearman's correlation coefficient (r=0.90). Cronbach's α showed the internal consistency, which is 0.87. The test-retest reliability was calculated by the intra-class correlation coefficient, ICC=0.95. The scree plot showed the two components have eigen values greater than 1. The Urdu version of the IIQ-7 has shown good validity and reliability in incontinence patients, according to the findings.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training versus Functional Magnetic Stimulation for Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

There is strong evidence that specific pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) reduces stress urinary incontinence (SUI), but the application of functional magnetic stimulation (FMS) is still under discussion. To evaluate and compare the effects of FMS and PFMT on pelvic floor muscle function, urinary incontinence symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in women with SUI. A randomized controlled, parallel-group trial was executed in an outpatient physical medicine and rehabilitation centre. The study included 68 women and was fully completed by 48 women (n = 24 in each group) aged 29-49 years, with SUI, who were randomly assigned to PFMT and FMS groups. The symptoms of urinary incontinence and their impact on quality of life were assessed with two questionnaires: the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form (IIQ-7). Perineometer (Pelvexiser) was used to measure the resting vaginal pressure, pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and endurance. All outcome measures were taken at baseline and after 6 weeks of interventions. Cohen's effect size (d) was calculated. A significant improvement (p < 0.05) of ICIQ-SF and IIQ-7 was observed in both groups with a high effect size in the PFMT group (d = 1.56 and d = 1.17, respectively) and the FMS group (d = 1.33 and d = 1.45, respectively). ICIQ-SF and IIQ-7 scores did not differ significantly between groups after the 6-week treatment period. Resting vaginal pressure, PFM strength and endurance increased (p < 0.05) in both groups with a medium (d = 0.52) to large (d = 1.56) effect size. No significant difference between groups was found in any measurement of perineometry. PFMT and FMS significantly improved SUI symptoms and the quality of life of the study participants. None of the applied interventions was superior to the other in the short-term effect.

CO2 Surgical Laser for Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT The common condition of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) has a reported prevalence of 10% to 39% in adult women in most studies. Although treatment of SUI via surgical means is an option, factors such as adverse effects of surgery and mesh-related risks lead many to seek alternative options. In overweight and obese patients, lifestyle changes for improving SUI symptoms entail mainly weight loss. Although pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) can lead to improvements, further treatment is often necessary. Because of this, interest is high for developing effective nonsurgical treatments for SUI. One such possible treatment is vaginal laser therapy, which has been used as treatment for various vaginal conditions. The authors therefore carried out a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing CO2 laser with sham treatment for SUI. This multicenter, participant-blinded, sham-controlled, parallel-group, superiority RCT involved participants from 2 hospitals in Southeast Melbourne in the outpatient setting. Patients aged 18 to 80 years experiencing symptomatic and objective SUI and seeking conservative management participated. Women with prior surgery for SUI were excluded. A positive cough stress test with a comfortably full bladder and uroflow was used to determine objective SUI. Participants lacking positive cough stress test were still eligible for study inclusion with a positive pad weight test in the absence of urgency incontinence symptoms. Intervention took place using FemTouch delivery system in conjunction with the AcuScan 120 Microscanner and the AcuPulse CO2 laser system for fractional treatment. Laser energy was delivered via a standard foot pedal in a fractional manner. The sham treatment used identical methods and settings but used an inactive pedal, which only made mechanical clicks and no electronic beeps. A total of 3 treatments were administered to participants, 4 weeks apart, with incrementally greater density settings. The primary outcome of the study was subjective SUI (defined as positive answers to the inquiries: “Do you leak when you cough or sneeze?” or “Do you leak when physically active/exercising?”). Secondary outcomes were assessed via the Patient Global Impression of Improvement, and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–urinary incontinence change, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-overactive bladder, the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire, the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire–Short Form, and EQ-5D scores. In addition, adverse events (such as pain during the procedure as measured on a visual analog scale) and objective SUI were recorded. A sample size of 101 was chosen to provide 80% power to detect differences between groups for the primary outcome (even assuming a 10% rate of attrition). A total of 97 participants ultimately were treated. Randomization of participants occurred with equal probability to sham treatment or the CO2 laser using a computer-generated random sequence, which allocated participants to blocks of 4, 6, and 8. Unblinding of participants to their allocation occurred following the 3-month review. Participants had a mean age of 53 years and a mean body mass index of 26.1 kg/m2, and 90% were vaginally parous. Most participants had attempted PFMT either independently or under supervision. No detectable difference was found between the sham and active treatment arm in the primary outcome of leak with laughter or cough. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between groups with regard to any of the secondary, patient-reported outcomes of questionnaires. The authors tested the reliability of their masking by assessing whether patients could identify their allocation group. Between the 2 groups, 17 (54%) of the sham group and 15 (63%) of the active treatment group believed they received sham treatment. Adverse events were rare in both groups, with similar visual analog pain scores during treatment and only rare vaginal bleeding and urgency incontinence in both groups. Strengths of this study are several and include its blinded design and randomization methods. The primary outcome was focused on patient-reported outcomes. Responsive and validated questionnaires were utilized for assessment of secondary outcomes. Study limitations include a lack of blinding for investigators, which could have introduced an element of detection bias for SUI. In conclusion, no benefit was shown for 3 treatment sessions of the CO2 vaginal laser when compared with sham therapy. Additional trials with various laser modalities are necessary to determine whether this may produce varying results. Women considering CO2 vaginal laser therapy for SUI should be made aware of the lack of consistent high-quality evidence in support of this treatment.

Factors determining the persistence of prenatal stress urinary incontinence 12 months postpartum

ObjectiveWhilst many studies have explored the mechanisms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) following various modes of delivery, few have examined outcomes of postpartum SUI in women who experienced new-onset SUI during their pregnancy. Our primary objective was to investigate the risk factors for persistent postpartum SUI in women with new-onset SUI during pregnancy at 1-year follow-up following vaginal delivery. Materials and methods303 women with new-onset SUI during pregnancy who underwent vaginal delivery in a university hospital between 2014 and 2015 were included. In-person interviews were conducted for all participants on the second postpartum day, followed by phone interviews at 12 months postpartum, with completion of structured questionnaires, including Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form (UDI-6) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Short Form (IIQ-7). Demographic, obstetrics and questionnaire scores were analyzed and compared between the group of women who experienced persistent postpartum SUI and the group who did not. ResultsAt 12 months postpartum, 16.5% (n = 50) of women had persistent postpartum SUI, with 83.5% (n = 253) experiencing resolution of SUI symptoms. Maternal age ≥35 years (aOR = 2.62; 95% CI, 1.40–4.87, P = 0.002), gestational age at birth ≥40 weeks (aOR = 2.21; 95% CI, 1.12–4.37, P = 0.022), and severe perineal lacerations (aOR = 2.32; 95% CI, 1.27–4.45, P = 0.013) were independent risk factors for persistent postpartum SUI for women following vaginal delivery at 1-year follow-up. ConclusionThe prevalence of persistent postpartum SUI at 1-year following vaginal delivery is 16.5%, with advanced maternal age, gestational age at birth ≥40 weeks and severe perineal lacerations being independent risk factors.

Micturition symptoms in gynecologic cancer patients receiving paclitaxel and platinum-based chemotherapy regimen: a prospective study.

To evaluate the effect of paclitaxel and platinum-based chemotherapy (PT) on micturition symptoms. All gynecologic cancer patients who were assigned to receive the PT regimen and understood the Thai language were invited to participate in this study. The exclusion criteria were as follows: abnormal urinary symptoms, retained urinary catheter or percutaneous nephrostomy, anticholinergic drug use, or scheduled to receive radiation therapy after the completion of chemotherapy. The participants were interviewed using three Thai validated questionnaires, the incontinence impact questionnaire-short form, urogenital distress inventory short form, and Sandvik score, on the day before receiving the first cycle of chemotherapy (pre-treatment), on the day before receiving the 4th cycle (mid-treatment), and 46 weeks after completing 69 cycles (post-treatment). The scores at the three time points were compared. Patients who received less than three cycles were not included in the analysis. One hundred and ten patients were included in this study. There were significant differences in the median questionnaire scores at the three time points for both carboplatin plus paclitaxel and cisplatin plus paclitaxel. However, when using a pairwise difference between the two treatment protocols, there were no significant changes in the score from pre-treatment to post-treatment. The PT regimen has an impact on micturition symptoms during chemotherapy which recover after treatment completion.

Efficacy of Top Flat Magnetic Stimulation Technology for Female Stress and Urge Urinary Incontinence: A Clinical Evaluation

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a popular problem with a broad range of severities and etiology. This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of a device based on top flat magnetic stimulation to manage women affected by urge urinary incontinence (UUI) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods: Eighty-one female patients (35 patients who reported SUI symptoms and 46 patients who reported UUI symptoms) underwent a total of eight treatments sessions performed twice a week for 4 consecutive weeks, for 28 min. Immediately before each treatment and up to 3 months of follow-up, two questionnaires (Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form (IIQ-7) and Incontinence Questionnaire Overactive Bladder Module (ICIQ-OAB)) were used. Results: ICIQ-OAB’s average score significantly decreased (P &lt; 0.05) from 10.54 ± 3.03 at baseline to 5.45 ± 2.24 at 3 months follow-up. IIQ-7’s average score significantly decreased (P &lt; 0.05) from 15.53 ± 5.62 at baseline to 6.76 ± 3.10 at 3 months follow-up. Conclusions: For all women examined, protocols used led to a decrease of SUI/UUI complaints, achieving good results and improving patients’ quality of life (QOL) without risk. World J Nephrol Urol. 2022;11(1):18-23 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/wjnu432

Effect of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training with Biofeedback on Stress Urinary Incontinence in Females, Kelantan, Malaysia: A pilot study

Various interventions are available for preventing and treating urinary incontinence, including medication, medical devices, and surgery. Some of the patients are not keen on surgical intervention, and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) will be another treatment option for female urinary incontinence. The current research aims to assess the effect of pelvic floor muscle training with biofeedback on improving the strength of the pelvic floor muscle, the severity of SUI, and quality of life among females with stress urinary incontinence. A random sampling of 10 patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) referred to the physiotherapy department by urogynecology department, Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II (HRPZ II), were recruited into the study of PFMT with biofeedback after a baseline assessment of the severity of stress urinary incontinence, strength, and quality of life. They were evaluated at baseline, at the 4th week, the 8th week of intervention, and a follow-up was done at the 12th week. The outcomes were measured with the incontinence severity index, perineometer, and incontinence impact questionnaire—Short Form IIQ-7. The results showed that there was a significant difference in mean SUI severity (F = 37.81, p= 0.001), strength (F = 15.44, p = 0.002), and quality of life (F = 104.11, p = 0.001) based on time. As a conclusion, pelvic floor muscle training with biofeedback is an assistive device that has significant effectiveness in the conservative treatment of stress urinary incontinence in female patients.

Is It Possible to Improve Urinary Incontinence and Quality of Life in Female Patients? A Clinical Evaluation of the Efficacy of Top Flat Magnetic Stimulation Technology.

Background and Objectives: Urinary incontinence is the accidental loss of urine that can occur at any age, especially among women over 50; however, its prevalence is increasing. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a device that uses Top Flat Magnetic Stimulation for the management of women with mixed urinary incontinence. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 female patients underwent a total of six treatment sessions performed twice a week for three consecutive weeks, for 28 min. Three questionnaires were used for the evaluation of the urinary improvements: Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF), Incontinence Questionnaire Overactive Bladder Module (ICIQ-OAB), and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form (IIQ-7). The questionnaires were compiled immediately before each treatment, within the treatment period (until the sixth treatment session), and up to 3 months of follow-up. Results: Improvement in quality of life is observed according to the results of the questionnaire, already after six sessions and at three months follow-up. ICIQ-UI-SF’s average score at baseline was 20.2 (±1.1), and it significantly declined (p < 0.01) to 1.8 (±2.4) after six sessions and to 4.8 (±2.8) at 3 months follow-up; ICIQ-OAB’s average score significantly decreased (p < 0.01) from 10.4 (±3.2) at baseline to 1.4 (±0.8) after six sessions and 2.3 (±1.6) at 3 months follow-up. IIQ-7’s average score significantly decreased (p < 0.01) from 20.2 (±1.7) at baseline to 0.4 (±0.5) after six sessions and to 4.7 (±2.8) at 3 months follow-up. Conclusions: Our results suggest that Top Flat Magnetic Stimulation technology can reduce mixed urinary incontinence symptoms for all women examined, leading to an improvement in the patient quality of life and patient awareness of their pelvic floor area with good results.

Comparison of Autologous Rectus Fascia and Synthetic Sling Methods of Transobturator Mid-Urethral Sling in Urinary Stress Incontinence.

Objective: This study aims to compare the efficacy and complications between mesh obtained from the autologous rectus fascia and synthetic mesh used in transobturator tape procedure in the surgical treatment of urinary stress incontinence.Methods: A total of 62 female patients who underwent operation due to urinary stress incontinence were included in the study. From these, 31 patients underwent autologous rectus fascia with mid-urethral sling (Group 1), and the remaining 31 patients underwent the same operation using synthetic multilaminar propylene sling (Group 2). The groups were compared preoperative and postoperative according to results of Urogenital Distress Inventory-Short Form (UDI-6) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form (IIQ-7). Demographic characteristics, surgical features, and complications were also compared between the groups. P < 0.05 values were considered statistically significant.Results: The mean age was found as 54.74 ± 0.87 in Group 1 and 55.58 ± 0.76 in Group 2. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the preoperative and postoperative UDI-6 results ​​(p=0.258, p=0.349). Similarly, the preoperative and postoperative IIQ-7 results did not show a significant difference between the groups (p=0,483, p=0,367). There was also no significant difference in demographic characteristics and complications between the groups. Only the mean operational time was significantly longer in Group 1 (p=0.029).Conclusion: Transobturator tape procedure with autologous rectus fascia is as effective and safe as synthetic mesh. This procedure provides an inexpensive and consumable option without posing a risk of mesh erosion and with low complication rates.

Long-term outcomes of polyacrylamide hydrogel treatment in women with stress urinary incontinence.

Long-term outcomes of polyacrylamide hydrogel treatment in women with stress urinary incontinence.

Urinary incontinence in pregnant women and its impact on health-related quality of life

BackgroundUrinary incontinence is a common and distressing condition affecting women worldwide. However, urinary incontinence during pregnancy was less studied. The study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of urinary incontinence during pregnancy, its impact on health-related quality of life as well as associated help-seeking behavior.MethodsEligible women were enrolled in the obstetric wards of a tertiary maternity hospital. Urinary incontinence, generic and specific health-related quality of life were assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF), the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-12v2), Urogenital Distress Inventory short form (UDI-6) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire short form (IIQ-7), respectively. Multiple logistic regression and multiple linear regression analysis were used to examine risk factors of urinary incontinence during pregnancy and the impact of incontinence on health-related quality of life of pregnant women, respectively.ResultsA total of 1243 women were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of urinary incontinence during pregnancy was 52.0%. Most women suffered from mild or moderate incontinence. Five risk factors were identified by multiple logistic regression. Urinary incontinence before pregnancy was the strongest predictor for incontinence during pregnancy (OR = 4.178, 95% CI = 2.690–6.490), followed by history of vaginal birth, coffee consumption, childhood enuresis and history of urinary tract infection. Urinary incontinence had significant impact on health-related quality of life during pregnancy. Only 14.8% of pregnant women sought professional help for urinary symptoms.ConclusionsUrinary incontinence was highly prevalent in pregnant women, with a broad detrimental effect on health-related quality of life. Five factors were confirmed to be associated with increasing the risk of developing urinary incontinence during pregnancy. The help-seeking behavior during pregnancy was discouraging. Targeted interventions are warranted to facilitate the prevention of urinary incontinence and improvement of health-related quality of life in pregnant women.

Pelvic floor function and morphological abnormalities in primiparas with postpartum symptomatic stress urinary incontinence based on the type of delivery: a 1:1 matched case-control study.

The aim of this study was to assess pelvic floor muscle (PFM) morphology and function in primiparas with postpartum symptomatic SUI after different types of delivery. Retrospective analyses were carried out with individuals with postpartum symptomatic stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Among the women screened in our center from January 2018 to December 2019, participants were divided into elective cesarean section (eCS) and spontaneous vaginal delivery (sVD) groups, while being matched 1:1 on age (±5years), body mass index (BMI; ±0.5kg/m2), neonatal birth weight (±300g), gestational age (±1week), degree of pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) degree, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire short form (IIQ-7) score, and postpartum days (±10days); all participants had no sphincter defects or levator ani muscle avulsion. The bioelectrical activity of the PFM was collected using an endovaginal electrode with the Glazer protocol. For the assessment of PFM function, PFM morphometry was evaluated with 3D/4D transperineal ultrasound. A total of 78 matched pairs were recruited based on delivery mode. Regarding functional differences, both fast-twitch and slow-twitch fiber strengths in the eCS group were significantly higher than those in the sVD group, but PFMs were more hyperactive in the eCS group. Regarding morphometric differences, the retrovesical angle (RVA) and bladder neck position were not significantly different in the resting state between the two groups, nor was the RVA during the Valsalva maneuver (eCS group: 130.68 ± 17.08°, sVD group: 136.33 ± 23.93°), p >0.05. There were differences in bladder neck descent (BND; eCS group: 16.51 ± 7.55mm, sVD group: 23.92 ± 8.47mm) and urethral rotation angle (URA; eCS group: 37.53 ± 26.05°, sVD group: 59.94 ± 25.87°), all p < 0.05. BND showed a negative correlation with PFM strength, p < 0.05. URAs and RVAs showed no correlation with PFM strength, p > 0.05. Pelvic floor muscle function disorder, hyperactivity, and instability also occurred after eCS, which resulted in postpartum symptomatic SUI. The effects of sVD compared with eCS on abnormalities in the lower urinary tract were related to bladder neck and urethral hyperactivity, without an RVA increase.

Effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training and Yoga on the Quality of Life in Perimenopausal Women with Urinary Incontinence

Background: Urinary incontinence is a symptom of genitourinary disease in perimenopausal women that can seriously affect both physical and mental health and quality of life (QOL). Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and yoga are the exercises that have been applied to treat urinary incontinence. Research that compares the effect of PFMT and yoga on improving the quality of life of women with urinary incontinence is necessary. Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of PFMT and yoga to improve the QOL in perimenopausal women with urinary incontinence.Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a nonequivalent control group design involving 48 perimenopausal women with all types of urinary incontinence was conducted. The participants were selected by consecutive sampling and equally divided into two groups. Each group was given the PFMT intervention and yoga exercise three times a week for eight weeks. The QOL was assessed using the incontinence impact questionnaire short form (IIQ-7). The data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, and paired sample t-test.Results: The mean (standard deviation) score of total IIQ-7 in the PFMT group were lower (3.58 [2.57]) than that in the yoga group (5.17 [2.14]; p=0.061). There were differences in IIQ-7 score in the domains of physical activity (p&lt;0.001), social relationships (p&lt;0.001), and traveling (p&lt;0.001) in the PFMT group. In contrast, in the yoga group, differences were found only in the emotional health domain (p=0.039). The IIQ-7 score was better in the PFMT group than in the yoga group.Conclusion: PFMT was as effective as yoga exercise to improve the QOL. PFMT and yoga should be taught to perimenopausal women with urinary incontinence.

Health-related quality of life among Chinese primary care patients with different lower urinary tract symptoms: a latent class analysis.

No previous study has used a data-driven approach to explore symptom subclasses among patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The objectives of this study were to use latent class analysis (LCA) to identify distinct classes of LUTS among primary care patients and to assess the class differences in health-related quality of life (HRQOL). In this cross-sectional study, 500 patients were randomly recruited, and 18 symptoms according to the International Continence Society 2002 criteria were assessed. Classes were identified by LCA. Patient HRQOL was measured using the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (version 2), the modified Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form and the HRQOL item from the International Prostate Symptom Score. Six distinct LUTS classes were identified: "asymptomatic" (26.0%), "mild symptoms" (22.6%), "moderate multiple symptoms" (17.0%), "urgency symptoms" (13.8%), "urinary incontinence" (12.0%) and "severe multiple symptoms" (8.6%). Multinomial regression analysis found differences in the gender distribution and prevalence of heart diseases across classes, and multiple linear regression found that patients with "severe multiple symptoms" and "urinary incontinence" had the poorest HRQOL. Almost three quarters of the primary care patients in this study were suffering from varying degrees of LUTS. The poor HRQOL in "severe multiple symptoms" and "urinary incontinence" implies that patients in these classes require additional attention and treatments.