We evaluated voiding habits and lower urinary tract symptoms by age and gender in a large population of individuals from childhood to adulthood.
We studied a cross-sectional sample of 594 individuals 4 to 26 years old randomly selected from the population register of Finland. Participants anonymously answered a detailed postal questionnaire on lower urinary tract symptoms. Parents assisted respondents younger than 16 years. Results were analyzed by age group (4 to 7, 8 to 12, 13 to 17 and 18 to 26 years) and gender. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
The prevalence of urge incontinence significantly decreased with age (45% in respondents 4 to 7 years vs 10% in respondents 13 to 17 years, p