In short, urinary incontinence is common but not an inevitable part of aging. Urinary incontinence means leaking urine when you don’t mean to leak. Many women may not seek treatment for this problem because they think it is either a normal part of aging or because they are embarrassed to ask their doctor about it.
In 2018, a national sample of women ages 50-80 were asked about their experience with urinary incontinence.1 About half reported urinary incontinence in the past year and 41% described their leakage as problematic.
There are many types of urinary incontinence; some common types are stress, urgency and mixed urinary incontinence.
- Stress urinary incontinence commonly occurs with coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising.
- Urgency urinary incontinence occurs when you leak before you can make it to the bathroom.
- Mixed urinary incontinence is when you have symptoms of both stress and urgency urinary incontinence.
Untreated urinary incontinence can have a negative impact on one’s physical and/or psychological health. It is important to know that urinary incontinence is treatable – you don’t have to “just live with it.” Treating urinary incontinence can both improve quality of life and have a positive impact on health.
If you or a family member would like to be evaluated for treatment for urinary incontinence, make an appointment with a urogynecologist today!
UofL Health has two Urogynecology offices – one at the Springs Medical Center in St. Matthews (where I am located) and one at the new UofL Health – Mary & Elizabeth Hospital – Center for Women’s Health. Give us a call to schedule your appointment.
UofL Physicians – Urogynecology
Springs Medical Center
6420 Dutchmans Parkway, Suite 190
Louisville, KY 40205
502-588-7660
UofL Physicians – Urogynecology Associates
UofL Health – Center for Women’s Health
Mary & Elizabeth Hospital, Plaza 4
4331 Churchman Avenue
Louisville, KY 40215
502-977-5907
References:
1 https://www.healthyagingpoll.org/reports-more/report/urinary-incontinence-inevitable-part-aging
