Anal incontinence in women presenting for gynecologic care: Prevalence, risk factors, and impact upon quality of life

Muriel K. Boreham, Holly E. Richter, Kimberly S. Kenton, Charles W. Nager, W. Thomas Gregory, Michael P. Aronson, Val Y. Vogt, Don D. McIntire, Joseph I. Schaffer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

135 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence and impact upon quality of life of anal incontinence (AI) in women aged 18 to 65. Study design: Consecutive women presenting for general gynecologic care were given a bowel function questionnaire. Women with AI were prompted to complete the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI) and Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (FIQL). Results: The cohort was composed of 457 women with a mean age of 39.9 ± 11 years. AI prevalence was 28.4% (95% CI 24.4-32.8). After logistic regression, IBS (OR 3.22, 1.75-5.93), constipation (OR 2.11, 1.22-3.63), age (OR 1.05, 1.03-1.07), and BMI (OR 1.04, 1.01-1.08) remained significant risk factors. The mean FISI score was 20.4 ± 12.4. Women with only flatal incontinence scored higher, and women with liquid loss scored lower on all 4 scales of the FIQL. Conclusion: AI is prevalent in women seeking benign gynecologic care, and liquid stool incontinence has the greatest impact upon quality of life.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1637-1642
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican journal of obstetrics and gynecology
Volume192
Issue number5 SPEC. ISS.
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2005

Keywords

  • Anal incontinence
  • Constipation
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Prevalence
  • Quality of life

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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