This is a hard subject for most people to talk about, even with their doctor. Some even waive it off with excuses like “it happens only when I laugh,” or “that’s just what happens when you get older.”
The truth is, leaking urine—or urinary incontinence (UI)—is not a normal part of aging and is highly treatable. And that’s really good news!
UI Is a Symptom, Not a Disease
Leaking urine is not, in and of itself, a disease. It’s typically a symptom of something else that’s going on, so it’s important to listen to what your body is telling you, and not dismiss UI as inevitable as we age.
And while it’s true that our bodies change in specific ways that may be a contributing factor (like weakening urinary tract muscles), leaking urine is not normal, and this symptom shouldn’t be overlooked.
UI may be a way for our bodies to signal the existence of an underlying medical or physical condition like a urinary tract infection or neurological issues.
You Aren’t Alone
According to several studies, around 300 million people are affected by incontinence worldwide (about 5% of the population), and more than 25 million people in the US experience temporary or chronic urinary incontinence which can occur at any age.
One national study polled 1,000 women between the ages of 50 and 80. Of the women polled, those in their 50s and 60s reported experiencing a leaky bladder in about 43% of cases. For those aged 65 and over, the number hovered around 51%.
It’s estimated that somewhere between 11 and 34 percent of men have some sort of UI, while more than 65% of men over the age of 65 admit to leaking urine throughout the day.
The good news is, the majority of cases of urinary incontinence are manageable, and possibly even treatable. Education is the first step to a solution.
Are There Different Types of Urinary Incontinence?
Generally, there are five types of urinary incontinence:
Stress incontinence. Activities that put excess stress or pressure on the bladder can lead to leakage. Heavy lifting, laughing, coughing, sneezing, and even exercise can cause minor leaks.
Overflow incontinence. When the bladder does not empty completely, some people experience frequent or constant dribbling of urine.
Urge incontinence: This is characterized by a sudden, urgent need to go to the bathroom often followed by a small amount of urine emptying from the bladder.
Functional incontinence. For some individuals, conditions such as mental impairment or even arthritis make it difficult to arrive to the bathroom in time to prevent a leak. If one doesn’t understand the urge to use the bathroom or if their joints make undoing buttons or zippers difficult, bladder leaks can be a problem.
Mixed incontinence. This constitutes a combination of any of the above types of incontinence.
What Are My Risk Factors?
While anyone at any age can experience urinary incontinence for a variety of reasons, some with a higher risk include:
Women (especially after pregnancy, childbirth, and/or menopause)
Men with prostate problems
Diabetics
Obese people
People experiencing long-lasting constipation
What Are My Treatment Options?
Thankfully there are a wide variety of options for treating urinary incontinence.
It’s a good idea to go over all potential remedies with your doctor, but some treatment options may include some or any of the following:
Medication
Lifestyle changes
Kegel exercises
Artificial urinary sphincter
Botox
Urethral sling
When to See Your Doctor
If you take nothing else away from this article, know that having a leaky bladder is not a lost cause and is not just a normal part of aging.
If leaking urine has caused you to restrict activities or social interactions and has had a significant negative impact on your life, don’t put off seeing your doctor.
The urologists at Norman Urology & Associates are sensitive to this often embarrassing condition and are highly trained to treat disorders of the male and female urinary tract.
We’re here to serve you with compassion and medical care of the highest standards. We can help you manage your symptoms and walk you through the treatments that will be most effective for you.
If you’re experiencing urinary incontinence, why not schedule an appointment with us today?