CODE: 21 - Urine incontinence - underestimated problem
Article published in Urologia Polska 2006/59/Suplement 1.

authors

Zofia Krauze-Balwińska, Mieczysław Fryczkowski, Andrzej Paradysz, Maciej Szczębara

Katedra i Klinika Urologii w Zabrzu Śląskiej Akademii Medycznej w Katowicach

summary

Objectives. The aim of the study is to assume the possibility of better and faster diagnosis in women with urine incontinence.

Materials and methods. A group of 34 women referred to urological ambulatory because of urine incontinence was asked to answer 11 questions. Women were asked about: time of complaints, their other medical problems, tests performed before they were referred to the specialist, profession and quality of life.

Results. 4 (11.76%) women asked about the problem of urine incontinence went to gynecologist, 4 (11.76%) to specialist of internal medicine, 2 (5.88%) to endocrynologist, 1 (2.94%) to neurologist, 3 (8.82%) to urologist, 20 (58.8%) to general practicioner as to the first doctor. The average time between first symptoms and visiting the doctor was 3 years and 2 moths (from 18 months to 8 years). Among the other medical problems diagnosed in the studied group were: sclerosis multiplex in 1 (2.94%), diabetes mellitus in 4 (11.76%), hypertension in 8 (23.52%), obesity in 14 (41.4%). 5 (14.7%) patients work and remaining 29 (85%) do not work. 24 (70.5%) women answered that the urinary incontinence has influenced their quality of life and 10 women answered it has not.

Conclusions. 1. Problem of urine incontinence has the interdisciplinary character and general practicioners should know more about this problem. 2. Urine incontinence has negative influence on quality of life.