Urinary incontinence is a widespread condition that affects a significant portion of the total population in the US. However, it’s a condition that’s more common in women than men, with approximately 30%– 40% of women between the ages of 30 and 60 being affected by it.

While a lot of people believe that urinary incontinence symptoms are a natural part of aging, the fact is that they can occur in younger people as well and can be caused by several factors, including lifestyle choices like smoking and unhealthy eating habits.

What Exactly Is Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a condition where one loses control over their bladder, either entirely or, in most cases, slightly, but enough for it to be inconvenient.

When suffering from urinary incontinence, you experience bladder leakages that you cannot control. There are different types of urinary incontinence, each with its triggers and symptoms.

The three main types to look out for are stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and overflow incontinence. The severity and treatment options typically vary for each type.

What Are Some Possible Causes of Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence can be caused by several factors usually associated with the nerves and muscles connected to the bladder. These muscles and nerves, especially the pelvic muscles, may weaken over time, resulting in urinary incontinence.

These muscles can weaken due to several reasons, including excessive weight, chronic constipation, and other bowel issues, nerve damage, certain surgeries, for example, a hysterectomy, smoking, caffeine intake or infections.

Urinary incontinence is more common in women than men due to differences in anatomy. Women have a shorter urethra than their male counterparts. Making it more prone to damage and infection.

Moreover, women’s bodies go through several changes during pregnancies, childbirth, and of course, menopause. These events can also cause the pelvic floor muscles to weaken or sustain damage over time.

Urinary Incontinence Treatment Options

A lot of people believe that urinary incontinence isn’t really a health concern but just a natural part of aging; therefore, it doesn’t make sense to treat it. There are also many that believe that urinary incontinence can only be treated with surgery.

These are both just myths, and it’s important to understand that urinary incontinence can happen to you at any age, and it is possible to treat it without surgery as well.

But since there are different types of incontinence, each with its own causes and symptoms, it’s important to reach out to experts to figure out the best course of action.

If you’re not sure who to talk to, get in touch with us at The Pelvic Coach. Dr. Shelia Whiteman is a licensed doctor of physical therapy who can serve as a pelvic health coach for you.

She has helped several women with bladder leakage solutions and may be able to help you out too.

Get in touch to learn more.