Incontinence is not a normal part of ageing
Urinary incontinence is more common than many realise, with about one woman in three over the age of 45 and one in eight 18-23 year olds experiencing urine leaks. But only one third of these women seek professional help.
Urinary incontinence is more common than many realise, with about one woman in three over the age of 45 and one in eight 18-23 year olds experiencing urine leaks. But only one third of these women seek professional help.
This alarming fact comes in time for World Continence Week which starts today.
In later life, incontinence is a major contributing factor in the decisions of elderly Australians to seek residential care.
A new US study suggests 9% of women suffer from fecal incontinence.
Urinary stress incontinence, which is the leaking of small amounts of urine when sneezing, coughing, and exercising or otherwise putting the pelvic floor under stress, is the most common form of incontinence amongst Australian women.
Many women believe that it is a natural part of ageing but this is not true; it is not normal and no woman needs to tolerate it. There are options for treatment, the first and most important of which is pelvic floor exercising.
The other common type of incontinence is called urge incontinence, and some women experience a combination of both stress and urge incontinence.
A stronger pelvic floor muscle has an important role to play in urge incontinence.
In addition to stress incontinence and urge incontinence, there are several other types of incontinence and many excellent sources of information about incontinence generally.
Research confirms the outstanding value of a sustained and regular program of pelvic floor exercise for women suffering from stress incontinence.
Treatment guidelines state that any woman seeking professional help for stress incontinence should be recommended to try an exercise program first before resorting to other more invasive treatments or surgery. For many women, pelvic floor exercise – undertaken in a sustained and regular program – can largely, or even entirely, overcome the symptoms of stress incontinence.
For more information, contact the Australian National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66.
