Relationship of cue‐induced urinary urges to nocturia in women ages 18 to 40 years

Abstract

Aims Although physiological factors have a role in nocturia, research suggests that behavioral processes, especially classical conditioning may also play an important role in nocturia and other lower urinary tract symptoms. The study aimed to assess the relationship of stimulus‐associated urges during the day to nocturia in a sample of women aged 18 to 40, after controlling for physiological symptoms (eg, overactive bladder [OAB]; daytime frequency). Methods An online study was conducted using a panel of 356 female participants between the ages of 18 to 40. One‐third of the participants self‐reported an OAB diagnosis as determined by their physician. Almost 80% of participants reported having at least one nocturnal voiding per night. Participants completed the Urinary Cues Questionnaire, which assessed the frequency with which respondents experienced the urge to urinate in the presence of a variety of cues and the Overactive Bladder Screening Scale (OABSS), which assesses symptoms of OAB syndrome. Results Controlling for OABSS scores and daytime urinary frequency, the Situational Cues Subscale had a significant relationship with nocturia such that with each unit increase in the subscale, the probability of nocturia increased by 12% to 14% depending on the definition of nocturia. Discussion Behavioral techniques, such as habituation to decrease the association between awakening at night and feeling an urge to urinate, may be an appropriate intervention to mitigate nocturnal urination. Theoretically, this would translate to decreasing this disorder throughout the lifespan, if behavioral techniques could be effectively utilized in early adulthood.

When Did They Start? Age of Onset of Toileting Behaviors and Urinary Cues as Reported by Older Women

“…Individuals may not be aware of the effect of such cues until later in life. Earlier studies have shown that endorsement of cues is related to measures of LUTS in younger 25 and older women. 15 The results of this study suggest that the age of onset of most cues coincides with the age of onset of urinary urgency and leakage.…”

Prevalence of nocturia in young adolescents among preclinical, clinical, and agriculture students

“…Psychological factors also have a crucial role in the development of nocturia [4]. Research by Anderson et al mentioned that depression and nocturia have a significant relationship [5]. Individuals who suffer from depression are more likely to experience LUTS, and this risk rises as depression symptoms get worse [6].…”