Survey of lower urinary tract symptoms in United States women using the new lower urinary tract dysfunction research Network‐Symptom Index 29 (LURN‐SI‐29) and a national research registry

Abstract

An online bladder health survey was administered to national registry volunteers to: (1) determine the feasibility of using ResearchMatch for studying lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS); (2) pilot the new, comprehensive Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network Symptom Index-29 (LURN-SI-29) and determine its ability to detect known associations with LUTS; and (3) explore novel areas of bladder health in community-based women. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was administered to a random sample of ResearchMatch adult female, transgender and non-binary volunteers. Participant demographics, health characteristics, the LURN-SI-29, and LUTS-related experiences were collected.Results: A total of 1725 ReseachMatch volunteers with a mean age of 44.0 years completed the study and were eligible for the analysis. Participants were primarily white, cisgendered, highly educated, nulliparous, and premenopausal. The median LURN-SI-29 score was 17 (interquartile range: 11-26). More than half the sample reported urinary urgency (71.0%), nocturia (65.7%), and stress incontinence (52.3%) a "few times" or more in the last 7 days. Approximately half reported sensation of incomplete bladder emptying (49.6%) with one-third reporting urgency incontinence (37.6%); notably, 52.6% of respondents reported being at least "somewhat" bothered by LUTS. LURN-SI-29 scores increased with age, body mass index, decrements in self-reported health, medical comorbidity, parity, menopausal status, and urinary symptom bother, providing evidence of convergent validity. LURN-SI-29 scores varied by race and education, with the lowest scores in Asian and highly educated women. Conclusion:Overall, the prevalence and spectrum of LUTS in an online research registry of women volunteers were high and comparable to other

Assessment of the Impact of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction on Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients in Saudi Arabia—A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The duration, intensity, and level of annoyance should all be established. A review of the patient's surgical and medical history may identify disease processes that are directly connected to their concerns [27]. Accurate drug determination is particularly critical because many medicines might have a direct influence on lower urinary tract function [22,23].…”

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Depression: A Review

“…This is further amplified when the condition that needs to be addressed is obvious to the patient but not those around them. 51,54,56,70,72,[77][78][79][84][85][86][87][88]93,94,[97][98][99][100]102,103,108,126,[128][129][130] This point is emphasized by the wealth of research on related (disabilities not outwardly visible) forms of disability such as neuropathic pain, MS, depression, myasthenia gravis etc. [91][92][93][94][95][96][97] There is a clear association between LUTS, and depression as addressed earlier, but is depression causing the LUTS, is it the other way around, or is there a confounding factor that we remain unaware of?…”

“…40,51,53,54,58-62,66,67,69,70,76,78-80,84,86,90,92-98, 101,102,104,106-116,118-122,126-129,131-136 A clear temporal relationship is beginning to be investigated that shows some evidence of depression predating urologic symptoms. 56,61,67,78,80,94,97,98,102,104,108,[111][112][113][114]116,118,127,129 I would like to highlight several studies that have data to suggest that depression can independently cause LUTS. 51,62,66,79,90,97,106,108,115,116,121,122,127,132,134 Of these studies, I would like to specifically highlight the association between BPH and suicide in South Korea and the mouse model of psychological stress inducing bladder overactivity in female mice.…”

Clinical hypnosis can reduce lower urinary tract symptoms in individuals with chronic pain

“…1 In a 2022 large community-based survey of adult women in the United States evaluating bladder health, over half of respondents reported LUTS and 52% being at least somewhat bothered by these symptoms. 2 The impact of LUTS on quality of life for individuals with moderate to severe symptoms is substantial. LUTS interfere with partnerships, intimacy engagement, ability to work, and overall social functioning.…”

“…LUTS increase with age and are expected to affect 42 million individuals in the United States by 2025 1 . In a 2022 large community‐based survey of adult women in the United States evaluating bladder health, over half of respondents reported LUTS and 52% being at least somewhat bothered by these symptoms 2 . The impact of LUTS on quality of life for individuals with moderate to severe symptoms is substantial.…”