Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form Research Articles

Urinary Incontinence and Quality of Life in Women of Central Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Considering the high prevalence of UI in the rural areas of Jordan and the limited clinical data on its occurrence in central Jordan, this study aims to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of urinary incontinence (UI) on the quality of life (QoL) of women in central Jordan. This cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2022, using online the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire short form (IIQ-7) and Urogenital Distress Inventory short form (UDI-6). Participation was voluntary, and anonymous. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's α. A total of 128 women participated in the study. More than half of the participants (54.33%, N = 69) experienced UI symptoms. Body mass index was the sole statistically significant factor linked to UI. Obese patients had the highest risk (OR 35, CI 95% 2.577-475.308, p < 0.05) compared to those with a healthy weight. Multivariate regression indicated significant associations of severe UI with smoking and vaginal births with a moderate impact of UI on QoL. The study's findings emphasize the need for women's health centers in the center of Jordan to develop comprehensive UI prevention and management programs to improve women's health and well-being.

Quality of life after anterior vaginal wall suspension for incontinence and prolapse repair with mixed, urge, or stress urinary incontinence

Purpose:To compare qualify of life outcomes in women with mixed urinary incontinence (MUI), urge (UUI) or stress (SUI) urinary incontinence after treatment with an anterior vaginal wall suspension (AVWS) to correct urethral hypermobility and concomitant anterior compartment prolapse (ACP). Methods:Following IRB approval, a prospective long-term database of women who underwent an AVWS for urinary incontinence (UI) with early stage (stage ≤2) ACP was reviewed. Patients completed the Urogenital Distress Inventory short form (UDI-6 SF) and a one question visual analog scale (VAS) of quality of life (QoL) before and after AVWS. Indication for AVWS was based on demonstrable UI, with documented urethral hypermobility and cystocele on standing lateral cystogram comparing rest and straining views. Three groups (MUI, SUI, and UUI) were analyzed based on urge (Question 2) and stress (Question 3) predominant scores at baseline. Results:From 1997 to 2018, 104 patients met study criteria: 54 with MUI, 30 SUI predominant, and 20 UUI predominant. Total UDI-6 and QoL scores improved significantly from baseline to 1-year post-AVWS and to the last visit (median 3.5 years) in all three groups. Patients with MUI had the most improvement based on UDI-6 total and QoL scores. Conclusions:Regardless of the nature of baseline UI symptoms, restoring support of the anterior vaginal wall compartment can durably improve UI-specific quality of life scores in the short and long-term.

Real-World Evidence From a Digital Health Treatment Program for Female Urinary Incontinence: Observational Study of Outcomes Following User-Centered Product Design.

Urinary incontinence (UI) affects millions of women with substantial health and quality-of-life impacts. Supervised pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is the recommended first-line treatment. However, multiple individual and institutional barriers impede women's access to skilled care. Evidence suggests that digital health solutions are acceptable and may be effective in delivering first-line incontinence treatment, although these technologies have not yet been leveraged at scale. The primary objective is to describe the effectiveness and safety of a prescribed digital health treatment program to guide PFMT for UI treatment among real-world users. The secondary objectives are to evaluate patient engagement following an updated user platform and identify the factors predictive of success. This retrospective cohort study of women who initiated device use between January 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, included users aged ≥18 years old with a diagnosis of stress, urgency, or mixed incontinence or a score of >33.3 points on the Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form (UDI-6). Users are prescribed a 2.5-minute, twice-daily, training program guided by an intravaginal, motion-based device that pairs with a smartphone app. Data collected by the device or app include patient-reported demographics and outcomes, adherence to the twice-daily regimen, and pelvic floor muscle performance parameters, including angle change and hold time. Symptom improvement was assessed by the UDI-6 score change from baseline to the most recent score using paired 2-tailed t tests. Factors associated with meeting the UDI-6 minimum clinically important difference were evaluated by regression analysis. Of 1419 users, 947 met inclusion criteria and provided data for analysis. The mean baseline UDI-6 score was 46.8 (SD 19.3), and the mean UDI-6 score change was 11.3 (SD 19.9; P<.001). Improvement was reported by 74% (697/947) and was similar across age, BMI, and incontinence subtype. Mean adherence was 89% (mean 12.5, SD 2.1 of 14 possible weekly uses) over 12 weeks. Those who used the device ≥10 times per week were more likely to achieve symptom improvement. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, baseline incontinence symptom severity and maximum angle change during pelvic floor muscle contraction were significantly associated with meeting the UDI-6 minimum clinically important difference. Age, BMI, and UI subtype were not associated. This study provides real-world evidence to support the effectiveness and safety of a prescribed digital health treatment program for female UI. A digital PFMT program completed with visual guidance from a motion-based device yields significant results when executed ≥10 times per week over a period of 12 weeks. The program demonstrates high user engagement, with 92.9% (880/947) of users adhering to the prescribed training regimen. First-line incontinence treatment, when implemented using this digital program, leads to statistically and clinically substantial symptom improvements across age and BMI categories and incontinence subtypes.

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

BackgroundThe 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). MethodsPatients 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. Results46 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). ConclusionThere 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.

A randomized controlled pilot trial to assess the effectiveness of a specially formulated food supplement and pelvic floor muscle training in women with stress-predominant urinary incontinence

BackgroundPelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is the first-line treatment approach for stress urinary incontinence. Creatine and leucine have been shown to improve muscle function. Our aim was to assess the effectiveness of a food supplement and PFMT in women with stress-predominant urinary incontinence.MethodsWomen with stress-predominant urinary incontinence were randomized in 1:1 ratio to receive daily oral supplementation for six weeks with either a food supplement (treatment group) or placebo (control group). Both groups were instructed to perform standardized daily PFMT. The primary outcome was the Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form (UDI-6) score. Secondary outcomes were the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) score, Patient’s Global Impression of Severity (PGI‐S), and Biomechanical Integrity score (BI-score) measured by Vaginal Tactile Imager. To have a power of 80% and a significance level of 5% to detect a decrease of 16 points in the UDI-6 score, a sample size of 32 was needed, with 16 patients in each arm of our trial.ResultsSixteen women in the control group and sixteen in the treatment group completed the trial. Between-group analysis revealed no significant differences between the control and treatment group except for mean change (delta) in vaginal squeeze pressure [(cmH2O, mean ± SD), 5 ± 12 vs. 15 ± 15, P = 0.04] and mean change (delta) in PGI-S score [(mean ± SD), -0.2 ± 0.9 vs. -0.8 ± 0.8, P = 0.04]. Within-group analysis showed that UDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores improved significantly from baseline to six weeks in the treatment group but not in the control group [UDI-6 score (mean ± SD) 45 ± 21 vs. 29 ± 21, P = 0.02; 43 ± 18 vs. 33 ± 26, P = 0.22] [IIQ-7 score (mean ± SD) 50 ± 30 vs. 30 ± 21, P = 0.01; 48 ± 23 vs.40 ± 28, P = 0.36]. PGI-S scores only improved in the treatment group from baseline to six weeks after treatment [PGI-S score (mean ± SD) 3.1 ± 0.8 vs. 2.3 ± 0.8, P = 0.0001]. BI-score, on average, improved significantly in the treatment and control group as well [SD unit, mean, from − 1.06 to -0.58, P = 0.001; from − 0.66 to -0.42, P = 0.04].ConclusionsWomen with stress-predominant urinary incontinence receiving a specially formulated supplement in addition to daily PFMT for six weeks had significantly improved urinary symptoms (decrease in UDI-6 score and IIQ-7) and BI-score compared to their baseline.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05358769. 27/04/2022.

Prevalence of urinary incontinence and anal incontinence: an internet-based cross-sectional study of female Turkish University students.

The objective of this cross-sectional, epidemiological study was to characterize urinary tract and bowel symptom prevalence and the extent of discomfort/bother associated with them. Additionally, the authors aimed to explore factors associated with both conditions among Turkish female university students. Also, an insight into women's "communication regarding urinary incontinence and anal incontinence" with their family members was sought. This is an internet-based national cross-sectional study. A study-specific 30-item questionnaire containing validated measures of symptom prevalence and bother (Urogenital Distress Inventory questionnaire short form and Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory) were incorporated into the survey. Out of a total of 2,125 e-mail invitations that were sent, 1,226 responded with data included in this analysis. The age and BMI of all respondents were 26.53 ± 10.082, 23.45 ± 6.609 respectively. Nine hundred and eighty-five (80.5%) respondents claimed that they did not suffer a UI episode in the last year, whereas 10 people (0.08%) claimed that they had a urinary incontinence episode every day. Three hundred and fifty-seven responders (29.1%) stated that they suffered from "gas incontinence," 6 (0.5%) stool incontinence, and 20 (1.6%) declared that they had episodes of both stool and gas incontinence. Five hundred and forty-four participants (44%) reported that they had family relatives with a problem of "urinary incontinence" and 576 (47%) stated they had a conversation on "urinary incontinence." Seventy-five of the responders (6.1%) stated that they had a family member with "anal incontinence" and 246 (20.1%) responded that they had a conversation regarding "anal incontinence" with them. We have demonstrated that the prevalence of UI was 19.5%. Twenty-nine percent stated they suffered "gas incontinence," 0.5% stool incontinence, and 1.6% declared that they had episodes of both stool and gas incontinence.

Cystoscopic removal of transvaginal mesh: Long-term outcomes.

This study's aim is to evaluate the long-term quality of life and functional outcomes following cystoscopic excision of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) mesh extruded into the urinary tract in women. A retrospective chart review was performed of all cases of cystoscopic removal of extruded mesh at our high-volume tertiary care centre between April 2013 and August 2021. Postoperative patient-reported outcomes were collected via questionnaires: Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form (UDI-6), EQ-5D-5L Visual analogue scale, ICIQ-Satisfaction (ICIQ-S) and additional questions regarding postoperative sexual function. During the study period, 27 women with a median age of 61 years (45-87) underwent cystoscopic mesh removal surgery using either Ho-YAG laser (56%) or bipolar loop resection (44%). The most common presentation of mesh extrusion was recurrent urinary tract infections (67%). Other presenting complaints were pain (41%), urinary urgency ± incontinence (41%) and voiding difficulties (18%). Long-term follow-up outcomes from 20 patients (median follow-up: 24 months) showed that mesh removal was rated successful by 80%, and 100% would choose to have the surgery again if in the same situation. Recurrent SUI was reported by 45% of respondents, and urinary urge incontinence was found in 50%. For patients who answered the sexual function questions, 50% reported improved sexual function postmesh removal (6/12). Cystoscopic removal of extruded female SUI and POP mesh is associated with high patient satisfaction and low morbidity in appropriately selected patients at 2-year median follow-up. A patient-centred shared decision-making process is essential in counselling patients regarding options and expected outcomes following mesh removal surgery.

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess the Effectiveness of a Specially Formulated Food Supplement and Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in Women With Stress-Predominant Urinary Incontinence [ID: 1372768

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a creatine-leucine-based food supplement and standardized pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) in women with stress-predominant urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: Women with SUI were randomized to receive daily oral supplementation for 6 weeks with either a supplement or placebo. Both groups were instructed to perform daily PFMT at an intensity of at least 75% of one repetition maximum of 45 pelvic floor muscle contractions per day. The primary outcome was the Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form (UDI-6) score. Secondary outcomes were the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) score, Biomechanical Integrity (BI) score measured by Vaginal Tactile Imager. To have a power of 80% and a significance level of 5%, a sample size of 32 was needed. The trial was IRB approved. RESULTS: Within-group analysis showed that UDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores improved significantly from baseline to 6 weeks in the treatment group but not in the control group (UDI-6 score [mean±SD], 45±21 versus 29±21, P=.02; 43±18 versus 33±26, P=.22) (IIQ-7 score [mean±SD], 50±30 versus 30±21, P=.01; 48±23 versus 40±28, P=.36). Out of the 52 examined VTI parameters, significantly more parameters improved in the treatment group compared to the control group (11/52 versus 3/52, P=.04). BI-score, on average, improved significantly in the treatment and control group as well (SD unit, mean, from −1.06 to −0.58, P=.001; from −0.66 to −0.42, P=.04). CONCLUSION: Women with SUI receiving a specially formulated supplement in addition to daily PFMT for 6 weeks had improved urinary symptoms (significant decrease in UDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores) and better BI score compared to baseline.

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.

Association between pelvic pain bothersomeness and pain sensitivity: A community-based cross-sectional study of young adult females in the Raine Study.

Pelvic pain has been associated with augmented nociceptive processing, but large studies controlling for multiple potential confounding factors are lacking. This study investigated the association between pelvic pain bothersomeness and pain sensitivity in young adult women, accounting for potential confounding factors. Cross-sectional study. Community-dwelling sample. The Raine Study Gen2-22 year follow-up (n=475). The experience of bothersomeness related to pelvic pain was determined from a question in the Urogenital Distress Inventory short form. Pain sensitivity was measured using pressure pain and cold pain thresholds. Potential confounding factors included ethnicity, marital status, highest level of education, income, waist-hip ratio, level of activity, sleep quality, smoking, comorbidity history, C-reactive protein level, musculoskeletal pain experience and psychological distress. Three hundred and sixty-two women (76.2%) reported no pelvic pain bothersomeness, 74 (15.6%) reported mild pelvic pain bothersomeness and 39 (8.2%) reported moderate-severe pelvic pain bothersomeness. After adjusting for marital status (and test site), moderate-severe pelvic pain bothersomeness was associated with a lower pressure pain threshold (i.e. greater pressure pain sensitivity) (coefficient -51.46, 95%CI -98.06 to -4.86, p=0.030). After adjusting for smoking, moderate-severe pelvic pain bothersomeness was also associated with a higher cold pain threshold (i.e. greater cold pain sensitivity) (coefficient 4.35, 95%CI 0.90-7.79, p=0.014). This study suggests augmented nociceptive processing as a contributing factor in pelvic pain bothersomeness for some women. Thorough assessment of women who present clinically with pelvic pain should consider pain sensitivity as a potential contributing factor to their presentation.

Home-based noninvasive pelvic floor muscle training device to assist women in performing Kegel exercise in the management of stress urinary incontinence.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a major health problem affecting approximately 50% of the female population over 45 years of age. We evaluated the therapeutic effects of a home-based non-invasive wireless sensor pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) device with assisted Kegel exercise for SUI. We included 60 women 40 to 60 years of age who were diagnosed with urodynamic SUI (mean pad test, 10.52 g). The PFMT device applicator was clamped on the upper inner thigh, and the patients could self-train at home. The signal was recorded and delivered to a 3G/4G smartphone via Bluetooth, which also allows guided feedback via the smartphone's voice. To evaluate the therapeutic effect, all patients completed the following questionnaires: a 3-day bladder diary, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), the Urogenital Distress Inventory-Short Form, and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 (IIQ-7). One-hour pad test measurements were performed before the test (M0) and at 1 (M1), 2 months (M2), and 3 months (M3) after the PFMT device-assisted Kegel exercise. The 1-hour pad test and the scores of the ICIQ-SF, UDI-6, and IIQ-7 questionnaires were improved at M1, M2, and M3, compared with the M0 values. The mean value of the post-voiding residual urine (PVR) significantly decreased at M2 and M3. The subjective and objective improvement rates at M3 were 80% and 72%, respectively. The data demonstrated that 3 months of Kegel exercise assisted with a home-based PFMT device improved the number and severity of episodes, PVR, and quality of life in patients with SUI, suggesting that this device might serve as an alternative non-invasive therapy for mild and moderate SUI.

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.

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.

Trimester-based changes in urogenital symptoms and their impact on the quality of life in pregnant women: A preliminary report

Background:This study is aimed to determine the trimester-based changes in urogenital symptoms and their impact on the quality of life in pregnant women.Materials and methods:Fifty-one pregnant women participated in this study. Self-reported symptom-based questionnaires, Urogenital Distress Inventory-Short Form (UDI-6), Incontinence Severity Index (ISI), and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) were administered to determine urogenital symptoms, incontinence severity, and the quality of life in all participants in the first, second, and third trimesters. The findings obtained were analyzed with the Friedman and Spearman tests.Results:Irritative (urgency and frequency) and stress incontinence symptoms showed statistically significant changes (p < 0.05), whereas obstructive and genital pain/discomfort symptoms did not significantly change (p > 0.05) according to the scores of UDI-6 subscales over the trimesters. There were negative, weak-moderate correlations between stress incontinence symptoms and IIQ-7 in the first, second, and third trimester. There was a negative, moderate correlation between irritative symptoms and IIQ-7 only in the third trimester, but there were not any correlations between the other urogenital symptoms and IIQ-7 (p > 0.05). In the prepregnancy period, stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urge urinary incontinence (UUI) occurred in 9.8% and 7.8% of the patients, respectively, whereas there were no women with mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) preconceptionally. The presence of SUI, UUI, and MUI were 13.7%, 7.8%, and 0% in the first, 26%, 9.8%, and 3.9% in the second, and 41.2%, 27.5%, and 13.7% in the third trimester, respectively. ISI scores showed statistically significant changes in the first, second, and third trimesters of women with SUI, UUI, and MUI (p < 0.05). Statistically significant differences were also found in UDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores obtained from all three trimester evaluations of pregnant women with SUI, UUI, and MUI (p < 0.05).Conclusions:Urogenital symptoms associated with urinary incontinence such as frequency, urgency, and stress incontinence were found to be increased over the course of the three trimesters of the pregnancy and the quality of life was negatively affected. Special care is essential for urinary incontinence during antenatal care.

The effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction on the urinary microbiome in interstitial cystitis.

The objective was to investigate the impact of mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy on the urinary microbiome of patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. In this Institutional Review Board-approved prospective cohort study, patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome were recruited to attend an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction course involving yoga and meditation. Eligible participants were English-speaking women aged 18 or older with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. All participants had a negative urinalysis within 2months of enrollment and were currently undergoing first- or second-line treatment at the time of recruitment. The mindfulness-based stress reduction course met weekly for 1h. A straight-catheter urine sample was obtained prior to and following the mindfulness-based stress reduction series. DNA from urine samples underwent bacterial 16S ribosomal gene sequencing at Johns Hopkins University Laboratories followed by taxonomic abundance and diversity analysis by Resphera Biosciences Laboratory. Participants completed validated symptom questionnaires pre- and post-intervention. A total of 12 participants completed the 8-week course and were included in the analysis. The average age was 59 and the majority identified as white. Patient symptoms, measured by the Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form and Interstitial Cystitis Symptom and Pain Indices, improved significantly (all p < 0.05). Overall composition of the urinary microbiome changed significantly (p < 0.01) and demonstrated an increase in diversity following the intervention. Mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy improves patient symptoms and was associated with significant changes in the urinary microbiome in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

Behavioral intervention for bladder control and its impact on quality of life in persons with traumatic paraplegia: A one-arm interventional study

Background: Injury to spinal cord results in many neurological problems, and bladder dysfunction is one of the major factors affecting quality of life (QOL). Improvement in bladder control leads to improvement of psychosocial well-being related to urinary incontinence, thereby enhancing QOL. The effect of behavioral intervention (BI) on bladder control is well documented in patients with urinary incontinence. However, very few evidences are available on its effect in patients with traumatic paraplegia in Indian context. Objectives: The study objective was to determine the effect of BI on bladder control and QOL in patients with traumatic paraplegia and to find the relationship between status of bladder control and QOL. Study Design: This was a one-arm interventional study design. Methods: Initial screening was done by using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale, and thirty six traumatic paraplegics were recruited for the study. BI along with traditional bladder management was provided to them for 8 weeks, and after this period, home exercise program was prescribed. Pre- and postintervention data were recorded using Urogenital Distress Inventory short form (UDI-6) and Incontinence QOL (IQOL). Follow-up data were recorded 6 months after completion of intervention to measure the retention effect. Results: Friedman test showed a significant difference (P = 0.000 and 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.000–0.080) across preintervention, postintervention, and follow-up data for both outcome measures. Post hoc Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed a significant difference (P = 0.000 and 95% CI: 0.000–0.080) between preintervention and postintervention scores as well as preintervention and follow-up scores for both the outcome measures. No significant difference was noted on analysis of postintervention and follow-up scores (P=0.472 and 95% CI: 0.026-0.052) for UDI-6 and (P=0.743 and 95% CI:0.000-0.0130) for IQOL. When preintervention scores of UDI-6 and IQOL were correlated using Kendall's tau correlation coefficient, it gave a high negative correlation (−0.725), which implied that the poorer status of bladder control is related to poorer QOL. Conclusion: BI was an effective technique in improving bladder control, aid to faster improvement when used along with other traditional bladder management techniques in patients with traumatic paraplegia leading better QOL seen over a period of 6 months.

Five-Year Efficacy of Transobturator Tape Treatment and Quality of Life in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence.

We aimed to assess the results of first- and fifth-year outcomes and the effect on quality of life (QoL) of transobturator tape (TOT) treatment in patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The patients who underwent TOT surgery between January 2008 and June 2013 were screened retrospectively. The QoL was evaluated with Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) and Urogenital Distress Inventory-Short Form (UDI-6). The subjective evaluation of patients in terms of incontinence outcome was classified as worsened (UDI-6 and IIQ-7 if pre-operative < postoperative), improved (UDI-6 and IIQ-7 if pre-operative > postoperative), or cured (UDI-6 and IIQ-7 postoperative <10). The first-year and fifth-year success rates were compared between the IIQ-7 and UDI-6 results. A total of 109 patients were included in the study. There was a significant improvement (P<0.001) in the patients' UDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores when the preoperative and postoperative first-year results were compared. Comparing the postoperative first-year and fifth-year total UDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores, a significant improvement was observed and the patients' complaints were significantly reduced (P<0.001). The results of the IIQ-7 and UDI-6 questionnaire revealed that the TOT surgery success rate was 93.3% at the end of the first year and 88.7% at the end of the fifth year. The postoperative first-year and fifth-year data reveal that TOT surgery has a high success rate and positive effects on QoL. Low complication rates and the ease of application make TOT a good alternative to other treatment modalities in surgical treatment of SUI.

Mesh Sling Arm Removal for Persistent Pain After an Initial Vaginal Suburethral Mesh Sling Removal Procedure.

Pain is a recognized complication of mid-urethral slings (MUS), which may lead to suburethral sling removal (SSR) alone, or to a more extensive removal approach. We report on the outcomes of women who required an SSR or an additional secondary MUS arm removal for pain only. After Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, the charts of nonneurogenic women who underwent SSR for pain only were reviewed. Demographic information, MUS type, self-reported pain resolution, and preoperative and postoperative questionnaires, including Urogenital Distress Inventory-Short form question 6 (UDI-6 Q6) scores, were collected for the SSR (group 1) and secondary removal (group 2) groups. Of 52 women who underwent SSR for pain only between 2005 and 2018, 16 (31%) required a secondary procedure to remove the extension arms due to persistent pain after SSR. All women in group 2 experienced pain immediately after SSR (UDI-6 Q6 score of 2 to 3). Patients whose pain improved after SSR presented at a median 61 months after MUS whereas those in group 2 underwent SSR at median 34 months after MUS. Median duration of follow-up in group 2, after the secondary procedure, was 34 months. Over one half of those in group 2 (54%) noticed pain cure/improvement. Seven were left with persistent pain. In women who underwent SSR for pain only, 67% reported pain resolution. An additional procedure to remove the extension arms of the mesh was performed in one third of women for persistent pain after SSR.

Sensitivity to Change of Subdomain Question 6 of the Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form After Sling Removal for Pain

To determine the sensitivity to change of question 6 (Q6) of the modified short form version of the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) before and after synthetic sling removal (SSR). Following IRB approval, a prospectively maintained database of mid-urethral sling (MUS) complications identified women with UDI-6 Q6 data before and after SSR. Q6 were compared pre- and postoperatively and against patient self-report of pain in women undergoing -SSR for pain (SSR-P) and in a control group when pain was not the primary indication for SSR (SSR-C). Women with missing pre-SSR or insufficient (<6 months) follow-up measures of pain were excluded. Three hypotheses were tested. (1) Correlation of Q6 scores with patients' self-reported pain pre- and post-SSR, (2) Higher pre-SSR Q6 scores in the SSR-P group than in the SSR-C group, and (3) Decrease in Q6 scores in the SSR-P group. Between 2005 and 2017, 116 of 435 women referred to our institution met study criteria. Q6 scores were significantly (P <.0001) associated with self-reported pain with increasing likelihood of self-reporting pain as Q6 score increased. Mean pre-SSR Q6 scores in SSR-C (n=42) was 1.0 ± 1.2 while mean pre-SSR Q6 scores in SSR-P (n=74) was 2.3 ± 1.1 (P <.0001). Mean improvement in Q6 score after SSR was -0.19 ± 1.2 (P=0.3) in SSR-C and -0.88 ± 1.4 (P <0.0001) in SSR-P. In women undergoing SSR for MUS-related complications, Q6 scores were correlated to self-reported pain and responsive to surgical intervention for pain relief.