Article: Vaginal Birth Not Linked to Urinary Incontinence

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Vaginal Birth Not Linked to Urinary Incontinence

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Nov 30 - Compared with their nulliparous sisters, women who have given birth vaginally are not at increased risk for urinary incontinence, according to a report in the December issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Rather, familial factors seem to play an important role in determining risk.

Previous reports looking at the association between vaginal birth and incontinence have been plagued by various methodologic issues, such as the use of unvalidated self-report survey instruments and making no distinction between the various types of urinary incontinence or disease severity.

In the present study, Dr. Gunhilde M. Buchsbaum, from the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York, and colleagues used a comprehensive questionnaire to assess pelvic floor disorders in 143 pairs of nulliparous/parous postmenopausal sisters. Clinical evaluation of urinary incontinence and genital prolapse was conducted in 101 of the pairs.

The rate of urinary incontinence among the parous women was 49.7%, not significantly higher than the 47.6% rate seen among the nulliparous women, the authors state. Moreover, the type of incontinence and disease severity did not differ significantly between the groups.

The same urinary status seen in one sister was often present in the other, suggesting that there is an underlying familial disposition toward urinary incontinence.

"A genetic predisposition for urinary incontinence needs to be explored further because finding a genetic link to this condition would have great implications for the direction of basic research, treatment approaches, risk management, and potential prophylactic interventions," the authors state.

Obstet Gynecol 2005;106:1253-1258.

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Very interesting Kelly.
I love the genetic thing. My mum has SUCH a bladder on her, I swear she has a little bag she carries around and empties every so often. She can hold on for hours!!!!! Unfortunately I got the other genes (the same genes as the chunky arms and thighs..... ](*,) ) butI still think there is an awful lot to be said for doing your exercises!!
The Geelong hospital really push the point that incontinence post birth is curable, and if you have any problems post birth, you can book in as an outpatient to see the specialist physio. No charge. Isn't that great??

I personally have had a few problems - but only if I dont go wee just before I play netball. LOL..... Probably should try not to jump so high and not drink so much water....

Fi