# Urogynecologic Symptoms Are Not Specific to Anatomic Region of Digestive Symptoms

## TL;DR

This study found that urogynecologic symptoms are common in patients with digestive disorders, regardless of where the digestive issue is located.

## Contribution

The study shows that urogynecologic symptoms are not specific to a particular digestive region in patients with gut-brain interaction disorders.

## Key findings

- Dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia were the most common urogynecologic symptoms reported.
- Over 20% of patients experienced four or more urogynecologic symptoms.
- Urogynecologic symptoms were common across all GI tract regions affected by DGBIs.

## Abstract

Many patients with digestive symptoms describe underlying urinary or gynecologic symptoms, which may increase visceral sensitivity in the abdominopelvic region and amplify distress around digestive symptoms. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of urinary and gynecologic symptoms in patients with disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI).

Consecutive adult patients with a female reproductive tract who were referred for GI behavioral medicine evaluation for DGBI at a tertiary care center between 2022 and 2023 were prospectively evaluated for symptoms associated with urinary and gynecologic dysfunction. Descriptive statistics were conducted to assess the prevalence of these symptoms within this population by anatomic region affected (esophagus, stomach, and bowel).

A total of 432 patients were included in our cohort with a mean (SD) age of 40.0 years [Q1;Q3 29.0–52.0], with a predominantly White population (86.1%). Dysmenorrhea (61.0%) and menorrhagia (58.6%) were commonly reported among women with digestive symptoms. Urinary symptoms were less common, with 18.7% reporting pain with urination, 33.0% reporting difficulty voiding urine, and 26.1% reporting a history of frequent UTIs. 23% of women experienced ≥ 4 urinary/gynecologic symptoms. There were no significant differences in the type of urogynecologic symptoms reported based on the affected area of the GI tract.

Urogynecologic symptoms are common among patients with DGBIs affecting the entirety of the GI tract. We presume the presence of these comorbid symptoms is likely to impact symptom severity, quality of life, and could affect treatment response. Future studies are necessary to understand the mechanisms behind these shared conditions as well as develop effective treatments that address their overlap.

Urogynecologic symptoms are common in patients with DGBIs, regardless of the affected area of the GI tract. We recommend screening for these symptoms in all patients with chronic GI symptoms.