Epidemiological study of female urinary incontinence in the province of Siena, Italy

Abstract

A retrospective study of patients of the Urogynaecological Unit in Siena is reported. Out of 228 women examined, 141 had urinary incontinence (stress incontinence 110, urge incontinence 18, mixed 13). Predisposing factors and risk factors were investigated. A parallel study in a non-selected population of women was performed by means of a questionnaire of self-evaluation for urinary incontinence. About 20% of this population had urinary incontinence to some degree, but only a small percentage of these women had already sought medical advice.