Urinary incontinence affects 35-60% of middle-aged and older women and is not normal. Early intervention is vital. Strategies include lifestyle changes, Kegel exercises, and the Sheyera Kegel Exerciser, which strengthens pelvic floor muscles.
In middle-aged and older women, the incidence of urinary incontinence is as high as 35-60%. While many women associate urinary incontinence with pregnancy or postpartum conditions, thinking it is a natural part of aging or untreatable is a misconception. In reality, urinary incontinence among middle-aged and older women is a health issue that should not be ignored.
According to the International Continence Society (ICS), the prevalence of urinary incontinence in Chinese women is around 30%. For women aged 60 and older, the likelihood of developing urinary incontinence is two to three times higher than younger women, with an incidence rate exceeding 50%. Unfortunately, many older women mistakenly believe that urinary incontinence is a "normal" physiological occurrence with age. As a result, they choose to remain silent, avoid sharing the issue with family, and refrain from seeking professional medical help. In fact, early awareness and intervention are key to preventing and improving urinary incontinence. Today, Sheyera will educate you on urinary incontinence among middle-aged and older women.
1. Types of Urinary Incontinence and Their Impact
Urinary incontinence is simply the inability to control the release of urine. It can be classified into several types:
- True incontinence: Caused by bladder dysfunction or urethral injury, leading to continuous, uncontrollable urine leakage.
- Overflow incontinence: When the bladder fills to a certain level, urine automatically flows out, often due to weakened bladder contraction or urethral obstruction.
- Urge incontinence: Triggered by an overactive bladder or bladder inflammation, causing a strong urge to urinate before reaching the toilet.
- Stress incontinence: The most common type in women, especially mothers. It occurs when abdominal pressure increases (such as during coughing, sneezing, or exercising), causing urine to leak due to weakened or damaged pelvic floor muscles.
The most common type among middle-aged and older women is stress urinary incontinence (SUI), where urine leaks involuntarily when abdominal pressure increases. Although urinary incontinence is not life-threatening, its impact on mental health and quality of life can be profound. Some women avoid social activities or even stop working, falling into long-term depression or anxiety. More severe cases of urine retention can lead to infections in the vulva, urethra, and urinary system, which may eventually threaten kidney health.
2. Common Causes of Urinary Incontinence in Older Women
Although urinary incontinence is not a normal part of aging, aging itself is an important factor in its development. The nerves and surrounding tissues of the pelvic floor in women undergo degenerative changes with age, weakening the pelvic support system. Additionally, with menopause, decreased estrogen levels lead to urethral mucosal atrophy, reducing urethral closure function and resulting in urinary leakage.
01. Physiological Structure
Women have a relatively short urethra and a wide pelvis, making urethral support weaker and more prone to urinary incontinence. With age, degenerative changes in pelvic floor nerves and tissues further weaken pelvic support.
02. Impact of Childbirth
Pregnancy causes prolonged pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, leading to damage. Vaginal delivery can cause pelvic nerve and muscle injury, leading to muscle and ligament relaxation. If pelvic floor recovery is not done post-childbirth, these damages worsen over time.
03. Hormonal Changes
As women age, estrogen levels drop during menopause, leading to the thinning of urethral mucosa and decreased urethral closure, making urinary incontinence more common.
04. Obesity
Obesity increases intra-abdominal pressure and reduces the elasticity of pelvic floor muscles, leading to incontinence.
05. Chronic Illnesses
Chronic conditions like bronchitis or constipation increase abdominal pressure, damaging the pelvic floor and its support tissues, contributing to urinary incontinence.
3. What to Do If You Experience Urinary Incontinence
Many older women think incontinence is a natural part of aging or feel reluctant to burden their families. Some may reduce activities or limit fluid intake to control the problem, which worsens the condition and increases the risk of urinary infections. It’s essential to consult a doctor early for professional diagnosis and treatment.
Both the International Continence Society (ICS) and the UK's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommend non-surgical treatments as the first line of intervention. These can also be used to complement surgical treatments when necessary. Non-surgical treatments have fewer risks and can effectively alleviate symptoms.
01. Lifestyle Changes
Reducing weight, quitting smoking, and limiting caffeine and alcohol can help relieve symptoms of stress incontinence. Avoid excessive physical activities that increase abdominal pressure.
02. Kegel Exercises
Regularly contracting the pelvic floor muscles (similar to holding in urine) for 10-15 minutes, two to three times a day, can improve strength and elasticity. Over time, this helps prevent urine leakage during moments of pressure, such as coughing or sneezing.
03.Electrical Stimulation with Biofeedback
Electrical stimulation can help regulate neuromuscular function. For those with weak pelvic floor muscles, electrical stimulation aids in passive muscle contraction. This technique is particularly helpful for women who struggle to perform Kegel exercises independently, allowing them to regain control over their pelvic muscles gradually.
Sheyera Kegel Exerciser: Combine both of Kegel Exercises and Electrical Stimulation with Biofeedback，we introduce the Sheyera Kegel Exerciser—an electric device designed for women. This innovative incontinence treatment combines gentle electrical stimulation with Kegel exercises, effectively strengthening your pelvic floor muscles. User-friendly and effective, it empowers you on your recovery journey, making pelvic health more accessible.
Although urinary incontinence is a common problem, it doesn’t have to be a reality that older women have to accept. With some professional help and treatment, older women can live more comfortable and confident lives. And don’t forget to talk to your doctor about the best solution for you! Everyone’s situation is unique, so it’s crucial to find the solution that works best for your individual situation.