Prevalence of painful bladder syndrome in older women.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the prevalence of and symptoms associated with painful bladder syndrome (PBS) in a population of older women, utilizing the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) cohort.

METHODS: In 2004, NHS participants were asked by mailed questionnaire, "In the past 10 years, have you experienced bladder or pelvic pain associated with urinary symptoms for more than 3 consecutive months?" Women who responded "yes" were sent a detailed supplementary questionnaire. A severity score was calculated according to information about symptoms and bother in the previous 6 months.

RESULTS: The PBS screening question was answered by 67,095 participants. A supplemental questionnaire was sent to all 4005 women who answered yes, and 3042 (76%) responded. Symptoms consistent with PBS were reported by 1548 respondents (51%), representing 2.3% of the screened cohort. The prevalence of PBS was 1.7% in those younger than 65 years and increased progressively to 4.0% in women aged 80 years and older (P trend <0.001). Severity, based on both symptoms and bother, was mild in 14.8% of women with PBS, moderate in 29.0%, and severe in 56.2%.

CONCLUSIONS: Painful bladder syndrome is a common condition in women. The prevalence of PBS increases with age, and the vast majority of women with PBS have moderate or severe symptoms.