The frequency of urinary symptoms in women attending gynaecology clinics at the Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency of urinary symptoms in women attending Gynecology clinics at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. METHODS A total of 186 women attending the gynaecology clinics for symptoms of menstrual disorders, vaginal discharge or uterovaginal prolapse were asked to fill the survey questionnaire which included all the details about lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). RESULTS Of the 180 women, 82.8% were aged between 15-44 years with BMI > or = 25. Culture confirmed recurrent urinary tract infection (at least 3 episodes of urinary tract infections evidenced by positive urine culture or treated by repeated use of antibiotics) was reported by 32 (17.2%) women. The frequency of urinary incontinence was 44.4% with 17.2% cases having stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Symptoms of urinary tract infection were not significantly affected by age, parity and mode of delivery. Parity was strongly associated with prevalence of SUI (F=10.48, P<0.001). Both urge and mixed incontinence were significantly related to age (F=20.57, P, 0.001 and F=13.88, P<0.001) but were not affected by parity and mode of delivery. CONCLUSION The high frequency of urinary symptoms in our community demands a need for more extensive epidemiological study and a specialized unit to provide awareness, treatment and training in this area.