Presence of symptoms after COVID-19 infection may explain the onset of female urinary incontinence: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is a multisystem disease that may affect lower urinary tract function. Objective: To determine if symptoms after COVID-19 infection may explain the onset of urinary incontinence (UI) in female survivors; to investigate the impacts of symptoms on the quality of life of incontinent women. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out online which included Brazilian women aged 18 years or older who developed UI during or after the COVID-19 infection, and were infected during the last three-months before data collection. Participants answered a semi structured questionnaire with sociodemographic and clinical questions; and validated questionnaires to assess UI symptoms (3-Incontinence Questionnaire; and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Short Form). Multiple linear and binary logistic regression analysis were performed. Results: 879 women were included. Symptoms after COVID-19 infection had a statistically significant impact on stress UI, urgency UI, and mixed UI, predicting adequately 75.7%, 84.6%, and 73.4% of the cases, respectively. Muscle pain impacted the quality of life of women with UI, explaining 6.3% of UI. Other symptoms (i.e., diarrhea, tingling, and difficulty in breathing) explained 5.2% of of the impact on quality of life in women with UI. The resence of a cough for more than three weeks impacted the quality of life of women with UI, explaining 2.7% of the outcome. Conclusion: Post-COVID-19 symptoms can explained the onset of UI. The presence of cough lasting more than 3 weeks impact the women’s quality of life.