[Urinary incontinence in nulliparous women: prevalence and evaluation of self-perineal reeducation].

Aims: To assess the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) in a population of young nulliparous women and the effectiveness of self-perineal exercises in symptomatic women.

Material: Three hundred and fifteen nulliparous students from French secondary establishments answered through a secure website, created for the study, an anonymous questionnaire about UI. The questionnaire included validated symptom scores (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form, ICIQ-UI SF) and quality of life (Contilife). Women who reported UI were asked to perform a self-perineal rehabilitation program for 8 weeks. A second questionnaire was completed after reeducation to assess the evolution of their UI.

Results: Among the 315 respondents, 92 women (29.2%) reported UI. The mean age was 23.0 (± 4.4) years in the continent group and 22.9 (± 3.6) years in the incontinent group. Only 24 of the 92 women with UI (26.1%) completed the reeducation program with a significant improvement in UI and quality of life (QoL).

Conclusion: UI is a common disorder in young nulliparous women. Perineal self-exercises without the intervention of a professional could help to improve the disorders.

Level Of Evidence: 5.