| RISK FACTORS FOR OVERACTIVE BLADDER AND URINARY INCONTINENCE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Men | Women | |
| Age | The prevalence of symptoms increases significantly. In one study, incidence rose from 3.4% of men between the ages of 40 and 44, to 41.9% of men 75 years and older. |
Prevalence also increases with age. In the same study, incidence increased from 8.7% of women between the ages of 40 and 44, to 31.3% of those 75 years and older. |
| Chronic medical conditions |
Multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, dementia, and impaired mobility may cause bladder symptoms. | Same for women. |
| Medications | Diuretics, antidepressants, alpha-agonists, beta-antagonists, sedatives, anti-cholinergics, and analgesics can all cause urinary tract symptoms. | Same for women. |
| Menopause and estrogen depletion |
N/A | Menopause has been associated with a decrease in urethralmucosa vascularity and thickness, as a result of diminished estrogen production. |
| Pelvic surgery | Incontinence has been seen in men following surgical treatment for prostate cancer. | Hysterectomy may increase a woman’s risk of incontinence. |
| Pregnancy and childbirth |
N/A | Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth increase the risk of incontinence. Post-childbirth incontinence has been associated with the use of forceps, vacuum extraction, episiotomy, and pudendal anesthesia. |
| Prostate-related conditions |
BPH, and prostatic obstruction secondary to BPH. Prostate cancer may also cause symptoms. | N/A |
| Race | No studies have been done in men comparing race and incidence of OAB. | White women appear to be at higher risk for incontinence. Compared with black women, they may have a shorter urethra, weaker pelvic floor muscles, and a lower bladder neck. |
| REFERENCES | ||
|
Newman DK. Managing and Treating Urinary Incontinence. Baltimore, MD: Health Professions Press; 2002. Brown JS, McGhan WF, Chokroverty S. Comorbidities associated with overactive bladder. Am J Manag Care. 2000;6(11 Suppl):S574–9. Milsom I, Abrams P, Cardozo L, et al. How widespread are the symptoms of an overactive bladder and how are they managed? A population-based prevalence study. BJU Int. 2001;87(9):760–6. Continue Reading (Rev. 5/2012) |
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This article originally appeared on MPR
