Risk factors and prevalence of urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women living in Turkey.
OBJECTIVE
To detect the prevalence, types and risk factors of urinary incontinence (UI) in postmenopausal women.


METHODS
Three-hundred and thirty-three patients who were referred to our Menopause Clinic between August 2008 and May 2009 were included in the study according to the acceptance criteria. A detailed questionnaire was completed by the patients who were between 31-65 years of age.


RESULTS
The mean age was 52.5 and the mean age at which menopause symptoms started was 45.8. The prevalence of urinary incontinence was found to be 45.6%. The most frequently seen UI type was mixed urinary incontinence (68.4%). Advanced age, vaginal delivery, high BMI and no hormone replacement therapy were regarded as significant risk factors.


CONCLUSIONS
UI is a common problem influencing the social experience of postmenopausal women. The prevalence of UI was detected as 45.6% in our study. The quality of life in postmenopausal women can be augmentated by diagnosing the risk factors of UI and making an effort to improve the condition.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rize State Hospital, Rize, Turkey.
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S
Senturk
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M
Kara
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology*