{"id":2313,"date":"2025-08-18T20:00:46","date_gmt":"2025-08-18T18:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/?p=2313"},"modified":"2025-08-19T06:59:23","modified_gmt":"2025-08-19T04:59:23","slug":"whats-new-incontinence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/whats-new-incontinence\/","title":{"rendered":"Destigmatizing Incontinence: The Issue That Affects Millions of Women"},"content":{"rendered":"

Urinary incontinence is an extremely common problem that affects more than <\/span>200 million people<\/span><\/a> around the world. On average, one in three women and one in fourteen men will experience urinary incontinence at some point in their lives. 15-30% of sufferers are younger than 65 years old, and 30-55% of sufferers are over the age of 65.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite its prevalence, urinary incontinence still holds a shameful stigma for many people. Understanding how common this condition is, the risk factors behind it, and what you can do to address it is the first step towards destigmatizing such a common condition and reducing unnecessary discomfort and shame.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is Incontinence?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Urinary incontinence<\/span><\/a>, or UI, refers to the loss of bladder control. The severity of this condition ranges widely, from a small leakage when you laugh or sneeze too hard to being totally unable to control when and where you urinate. There are several types of urinary incontinence that we\u2019ve listed below in order of severity.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Stress incontinence<\/span><\/h3>\n

Urine occasionally leaks when sudden, heavy pressure is exerted on your bladder. This may happen when laughing extremely hard, coughing, performing certain exercises, or lifting a heavy object.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Urge incontinence<\/span><\/h3>\n

An intense, sudden urge to urinate, accompanied by an involuntary release of urine. You may urinate excessively, including during nighttime and when you sleep. This type of incontinence may be the result of a minor condition like a bladder infection or a more severe condition such as diabetes or a neurological problem.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Functional incontinence<\/span><\/h3>\n

A mental or physical impairment prevents you from being able to get to the toilet in time to relieve yourself. If you have severe arthritis, for example, you may not be able to get your pants off quickly enough.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Mixed incontinence<\/span><\/h3>\n

A combination of different types of urinary incontinence. The most common type of mixed incontinence is stress and urge incontinence.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Overflow incontinence<\/span><\/h3>\n

Your bladder doesn\u2019t empty completely, causing you to experience frequent or constant dribbling of urine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although UI is more prevalent in aging populations, it isn\u2019t something that every aging person experiences. If you think that UI is impacting the way you go about your life, it\u2019s important to address the issue with your doctor as soon as possible. Often, basic dietary and lifestyle changes or simple medical intervention can alleviate these symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Risk Factors For Incontinence\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Gender<\/span><\/h3>\n

Women are significantly more likely to have stress incontinence due to their anatomical makeup and life events like menopause, pregnancy, and childbirth. However, men can also experience incontinence due to a variety of reasons, such as prostate gland problems.<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ve Given Birth<\/span><\/h3>\n

Postpartum Stress incontinence (SUI) impacts around <\/span>33%<\/span><\/a> of women after giving birth. Pregnancy and childbirth can impact the structure of your pelvic floor, so women who have given birth are at higher risk of having pelvic floor disorders.<\/span><\/p>\n

Age<\/span><\/h3>\n

As you age, you lose muscle tone around your bladder and urethra. Age-related changes can reduce the amount of urine your bladder can hold and increase your chances of involuntarily releasing urine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Being Overweight<\/span><\/h3>\n

Holding a significant amount of <\/span>extra weight<\/span><\/a> increases pressure on your bladder and surrounding muscles, weakening them and allowing urine to leak out when there is sudden pressure such as a cough or sneeze.<\/span><\/p>\n

Family History<\/span><\/h3>\n

Certain people may be more genetically predisposed for urinary incontinence. If you have a close family member with urinary incontinence – particularly urge incontinence at a younger age – your likelihood of developing the condition is higher. However, this is only one factor, and just because you have a family member with the condition doesn\u2019t mean you will necessarily have to deal with it.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Incontinence Can Affect Your Life<\/span><\/h2>\n

Living with incontinence can take a heavy physical and emotional toll on the sufferer. It may require constant vigilance, and you may need to wear protective underwear or pads. You may be haunted by the ongoing worry of leakage, which can be exhausting. Moreover, incontinence may irritate your skin as it is constantly being exposed to moisture, resulting in infections or rashes and further discomfort if managed improperly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Incontinence can also have a profound emotional impact. We\u2019ve been bred from childhood to feel shame, embarrassment, and anxiety around incontinence, which can be compounded when it occurs in social settings. This can cause somebody to withdraw from social interaction and avoid spending time with loved ones due to fear of having an accident.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Addressing Urinary Incontinence<\/span><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s important to address any concerns about UI, or if you think you have UI, with your health care provider. Often, they can help you prevent or control symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If your urinary incontinence isn\u2019t severe, there are a number of <\/span>steps<\/span><\/a> your health care professional may recommend to try and control your symptoms. Lifestyle changes you can do on your own include:<\/span><\/p>\n