Lower urinary tract symptoms 5 years after the first delivery.

The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence and 5-year incidence of lower urinary tract symptoms after the first delivery. A total of 278 primiparae were questioned about lower urinary tract symptoms after their first pregnancy and puerperium, and again 5 years later. The prevalence of such symptoms in the study population increased significantly during the 5 years of observation. The prevalence of stress or urge incontinence 5 years after first delivery was significantly higher in women with onset during the first pregnancy or 1st puerperium than in those without incontinence before or during that period. The prevalence of urgency or frequent voiding 5 years after first delivery was not increased in the women with onset during that time compared to those without such symptoms. Stress or urge incontinence during the first pregnancy and puerperium predicts an increased risk of having the symptom 5 years later. Urgency and diurnal frequent voiding cannot be predicted from onset during that period.