Assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms in different stages of menopause

Abstract

[Purpose] To assess lower urinary tract symptoms in different stages of menopause and the quality of life of females with incontinence. [Subjects and Methods] The sample consisted of 302 females, aged between 40 and 56 years, divided into three groups: PRE (n= 81), PERI (n= 108) and POST (n= 113). This was a cross-sectional, analytical, observational study. Data were collected by assessment chart and conducting the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form. [Results] Most of the women had less than 10 years of schooling and were married. In PERI and POST menopause, the most frequent lower urinary tract symptoms were urinary urgency and stress incontinence. The PRE group did not exhibit nocturia, urge incontinence or urinary urgency, and had the lowest symptoms frequency. In the three stages, stress incontinence was the most prevalent symptom. Of the three menopause stages, PERI had a greater impact on urinary incontinence according to the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire. [Conclusion] The presence of lower urinary tract symptoms can vary across the different stages of menopause and the urinary incontinence was the most frequent complaint. Moreover, it was observed that quality of life was more affected in the perimenopause stage.

Do future healthcare professionals have adequate knowledge about risk factors for stress urinary incontinence in women?

“…Urogenital atrophy is also related to myofascial structures of the pelvic floor and lower part of the urinary system. As a consequence, a low level of estrogen and atrophic changes may lead to prolapse of genital organs and the appearance of urinary incontinence symptoms [39][40][41][42][43]. This risk factor was indicated by many students, most in the group of future doctors, indication index at 0.56 and in the group of physiotherapists, at 0.45.…”

Efficacy of Fractional CO2 Laser, Promestriene, and Vaginal Lubricant in the Treatment of Urinary Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…Menopause and aging are important risk factors for urinary symptoms, such as urgency, frequency, nocturia, incontinence, dysuria, and recurrent urinary tract infections [1–3]. These symptoms compromise the quality of life (QOL), sexual function, and social life; they constitute some of the signs and symptoms characterizing genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) [4–8].…”

“…The lower urinary tract, as well as the genital region and most structures involved in the continence process have large numbers of estrogen receptors. When estrogen levels reduce, various morphological, histological, anatomical, and collagen alterations compromise vaginal and urinary tract health and pelvic floor muscle strength [6,9–11].…”

Resistance Exercise Evokes Changes on Urinary Bladder Function and Morphology in Hypoestrogen Rats

“…The improvement of public health conditions has increased life expectancy globally. As an effect, a greater number of women enter menopause, which may contribute to lower urinary tract symptoms such as urinary urgency, stress incontinence, increased frequency of daytime, nighttime, and urinary incontinence (Varella et al, 2016). The reduction of serum levels of estrogen at climacterium affects directly the urogenital tract.…”