Colorectal and anal symptoms in women with urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse

Our aim was to determine the prevalence of colorectal and anal (CRA) symptoms in women with urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse (UI/POP) in a predominantly Latina population. We reviewed charts of women seen in the urogynecology clinic for UI/POP for those who completed the colorectal anal distress inventory-8 (CRADI-8) on their first visit. A detailed history was taken independent of the questionnaire. Two hundred sixty-five women completed the questionnaire; 94% were Latina; 89% completed the questionnaire in Spanish. Of the women, 88% indicated at least one CRA symptom: 60% reported needing to strain hard to have a bowel movement; 59% reported sensation of incomplete bowel emptying; 21% indicated incontinence of solid or liquid stool, and an additional 30% of women reported flatal incontinence only, for a total anal incontinence rate of 58%. CRA symptoms are highly prevalent among women with UI/POP who completed the CRADI-8 in a predominantly Latina patient population.