Lifestyle changes for the prevention and management of lower urinary tract symptoms in women

Abstract

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are highly prevalent conditions with a profound influence on the well-being and quality of life. Patients should receive counselling on the behavioural changes for promoting healthy lifestyle in the prevention and optimal treatment of LUTS. In obese women, weight loss should be advised as one of the first-step interventions. Smoking cessation is recommended considering the relationship between smoking and lower urinary tract complaints in addition to its general health risks. Caffeine consumption should be limited to < 200 mg/d (two cups of coffee) because of its potential effects on urgency and frequency of symptoms. The products which are thought to be bladder irritants should be removed one by one from the diet, and the change in the symptoms must be monitored separately for some time. Fluid intake restriction in the evening can be useful especially in the elderly women. The amount of daily fluids should be approximately 30 mL/kg (eight cups) according to the body weight. Changing high-impact exercise with low-impact exercise and avoiding activities that require recurrent, chronic intra-abdominal pressure may be useful especially in stress incontinence. Dietary changes and other recommendations for maintaining healthy bowel movements should be provided for the prevention of constipation. In conclusion, using lifestyle changes is viewed effective and recommended to be used to treat urinary incontinence, especially in combination with other behavioural techniques.