Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and impact on quality-of-life (QOL) that fecal incontinence (FI) symptoms have on women seeking treatment for urge urinary incontinence (UUI).
Study design: Baseline sociodemographic, history, physical examination, and validated questionnaire data were analyzed in 307 women enrolled in the Behavior Enhances Drug Reduction of Incontinence study for associations with FI. FI was defined as loss of liquid/solid stool occurring at least monthly. Multivariable logistic regression models compared women with FI and UUI with women with only UUI.
Results: Prevalence of monthly FI was 18%, liquid stool (12%), and solid stool (6%). In multivariable analysis, FI was associated with vaginal delivery, posterior vaginal wall prolapse, higher body mass index, and UUI symptoms. QOL was worse in women with FI/UUI than isolated UUI.
Conclusion: Women seeking treatment for UUI have high rates of monthly FI with a negative impact on QOL.