Urinary incontinence is defined by the International Continence Society as the involuntary leakage of urine, which disrupts the daily life of the affected individual.
There are many types of urinary incontinence:
Stress urinary incontinence: Unintentional urine leakage during effort or exertion, such as sneezing or coughing. Stress incontinence often causes small leaks.
Urge urinary incontinence: Involuntary loss of urine preceding or while suddenly feeling a strong urge to urinate. Urge incontinence may cause more abundant leaks, often emptying a full bladder.
Mixed urinary incontinence: Involuntary leakage of urine associated with effort or exertion, as well as urgency, causing a pressing need to urinate. Leaks may consist of small or larger quantities of urine.
Is urinary incontinence common in older women?
Urinary incontinence is probably one of the most common health issues among older women. 55% of women over the age of 60 suffer from urinary incontinence. Of these, 20 to 25% have severe symptoms (> 10 episodes / week).
However, urinary incontinence is not a natural part of aging. Urinary issues are avoidable, and they don’t have to be part of aging.
Urinary incontinence may not only become a significant financial burden, but it can also lead to isolation and a reduction in physical activity, in addition to increasing the risk of falling and the likelihood of institutionalization.
Can urinary incontinence be treated in older women?
In most cases, urinary incontinence can be effectively treated in older women. National and international clinical practice guidelines recommend conservative interventions as first-line treatments for urinary incontinence in women. They consist of pelvic floor muscle exercises, bladder training with urgency suppression techniques and behavioural and lifestyle changes.