Open AccessPrevalence of postpartum urinary incontinence: a systematic review
Author(s) -
Thom David H.,
Rortveit Guri
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.3109/00016349.2010.526188
Subject(s) - medicine , urinary incontinence , obstetrics , population , vaginal delivery , confidence interval , prevalence , outpatient clinic , postpartum period , gynecology , pregnancy , surgery , environmental health , biology , genetics
Objective . To investigate the prevalence of urinary incontinence within the first year postpartum. Design . A systematic review of population‐based studies. Population . General female populations up to 1 year postpartum. Methods . Studies on incontinence in population‐based sample defined as from one or more district hospitals or from multiple clinics covering a defined geographic area. Studies of women from a single outpatient clinic or who were referred for care (e.g. for being high risk) were excluded. In addition, studies had to have a sample size of over 100 participants and a response rate 50% or over. Main outcome measures . Prevalence from individual studies as well as mean prevalence is given. Pooled prevalence is estimated for non‐heterogenous studies. Results . During the first 3 months postpartum, the pooled prevalence of any postpartum incontinence was 33% (95% confidence interval (CI) 32–36%) in all women. The mean prevalence of weekly and daily incontinence was 12% (95% CI 11–13%) and 3% (95% CI 3–4%), respectively. The mean prevalence was double in the vaginal delivery group (31%, 95% CI 30–33%) compared to the cesarean section group (15%, 95% CI 11–18%). Longitudinal studies within the first year postpartum showed small changes in prevalence over time. Conclusions . The prevalence of postpartum incontinence was high. Prevalence was substantially less for more frequent incontinence. Urinary incontinence after cesarean section was half the prevalence after vaginal delivery.