Association of Urinary Incontinence, Perceived Stress, and Quality of Life in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with reproductive, metabolic, and psychological disturbances that may predispose affected women to urinary incontinence (UI) and impaired quality of life (QOL). However, evidence regarding the relationship between UI, perceived stress, and QOL in women with PCOS remains limited. Objective: To determine the association between urinary incontinence, perceived stress, and quality of life among women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study included 176 women aged 18–30 years recruited through stratified random sampling at the University of Lahore. Ninety participants had PCOS diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria, while 86 served as controls. Urinary incontinence, perceived stress, and quality of life were assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Pearson correlation and Chi-square tests were applied, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: Urinary incontinence was reported by 67.6% of participants. Moderate perceived stress was observed in 44.3%, while 34.7% reported high stress. A significant positive correlation was found between perceived stress and urinary incontinence severity (r=0.566, p<0.001), whereas urinary incontinence demonstrated a significant negative correlation with quality of life (r=−0.378, p<0.001). Conclusion: Women with PCOS experiencing greater perceived stress had more severe urinary incontinence, which was associated with poorer quality of life. Comprehensive multidisciplinary management addressing both physical and psychological health may improve patient outcomes.

Keywords: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Pelvic Floor Disorders, Perceived Stress, Quality of Life, Urinary Incontinence, Women's Health.