Female Urinary Incontinence is More Common Than You Think

The unintentional loss of urine — urinary incontinence — affects millions of women in the United States. Studies show that over 50% of adult women experience urinary incontinence at some point during their lives.

And no, it’s not just something that happens “when you’re old.” Women of all ages deal with it, especially after pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause. 

However, many women are uncomfortable discussing the issue despite its prevalence. That’s a lot of women silently dealing with something treatable.

One of our goals at Women’s Specialists of Fayette, along with outstanding healthcare, is to provide an atmosphere of caring and trust, allowing women to discuss their health concerns without embarrassment.

Check these facts from our team regarding female urinary incontinence and treatments that can help solve the leakage.

So, what is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the unintentional loss of urine, and can happen when you exercise, cough, sneeze, or suddenly need to pee and can’t make it in time. 

The most recognized types are:

Stress incontinence

This type causes urinary leaks when you strain. Lifting a heavy weight can trigger this type of urine loss, along with coughing, laughing, or sneezing.

Urge incontinence

Urge incontinence causes a sudden “gotta go right now” feeling that’s hard to control, often resulting in involuntary loss of urine. 

This type is frequently related to an overactive bladder caused by numerous issues, ranging from nerve damage to medication side effects to constipation.

Mixed incontinence

To make life more interesting, many women struggle with mixed urinary incontinence, a mix of both stress and urge types.

Overflow incontinence

This less common type of urinary incontinence is associated with other health conditions or limitations that interfere with bladder function. Underlying causes can include diabetes, stroke complications, and neurodegenerative conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS).

Why are women more prone to urinary incontinence?

It is far more common for women to struggle with urinary incontinence; however, men also suffer from it, too.

This fact about women is primarily due to anatomical differences, childbirth, and hormonal changes, particularly during menopause:

Pregnancy and childbirth

Changes during pregnancy and childbirth can weaken pelvic floor muscles, reducing your ability to hold urine.

Menopause

Reduced estrogen levels can thin the lining of the urethra and weaken the pelvic floor.

Another common cause of urinary incontinence includes excess weight, which increases pressure on the bladder. Chronic conditions like diabetes may also affect the nerves that control bladder function.

Treating female urinary incontinence

The good news? Urinary incontinence is treatable with the right interventions. Our team at Women’s Specialists of Fayette tailors treatment to your needs.

Options, depending on the type and severity, include:

• Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels)
• Bladder training to help control urgency
• Medications
• Medical devices
• Surgery (in more severe cases)
• Lifestyle changes, like reducing caffeine (a natural diuretic), weight loss, etc.

Let us help! Schedule a visit at Women’s Specialists of Fayette today. Call the office in Fayetteville or Peachtree City, Georgia, or request an appointment online.