Gender Differences in Coping Strategies for Troublesome Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Prior to Seeking Treatment

Objective: This study tried to explore gender differences in Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and disparities in adaptation strategies used to cope with LUTS. Materials and Methods: From July 2013 to December 2013, 184 consecutive patients who came to a tertiary center seeking medical treatment for LUTS including stress urinary incontinence (SUI), overactive bladder (OAB), and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) were recruited in this study. OABSS, IPSS and UDI-6 were used to evaluate severities of these symptoms and IIQ-7 was used to measure the impact of these three symptoms on the quality of life. Patients’ coping strategies were also compared to evaluate gender differences. Results: In total, 184 patients (81 men and 103 women) were recruited into this study. The LUTS between genders were significant. Women had significantly more SUI and MUI than that of men, but men had significantly more OAB. The LUTS in men seemed to have less impact on quality of life than in women. Preventive toileting use before going out, restricting fluid intake, or seeking treatment at primary care clinics were adaptive strategies used by both genders. However, one-third of the women used incontinence pads or performed pelvic floor exercises to prevent urine leakage and nearly one-fourth of the women avoided contact with cold water or performed urge strategies to control the urge to void. Conclusions: Gender differences in LUTS are significant. Similar LUTS also result in different impact on men and women. Women used more coping strategies than men to handle their bothersome LUTS.