How common is urinary leakage among women? Sometimes
it seems to be a common problem. Many women themselves
or their friends describe loss of urine with coughing
or sneezing on occasion, but it's usually only a problem
with a bad cold or severe allergies. To see if it
needs treating, a doctor will ask if the urinary leakage
is a socially embarrassing problem (wetting clothes)
or a hygiene problem (odor or skin irritation from
the constant moistness.
A recent Norwegian study has looked at how prevalent
a problem this is. Holtedahl K, Hunskaar S: Prevalence,
1-year incidence and factors associated with urinary
incontinence: a population based study of women 50-74
years of age in primary care. Maturitas 1998 Jan 12;28(3):205-211.
Of the 489 women in the study, some urine leakage
was reported by 47% and regularly by 31%. For 19%,
leakage was confirmed on physical exam and claimed
to be a social or hygienic problem. Incontinence was
associated with heavier body weight, with poor ability
to contract pelvic floor muscles and with previous
gynecological operations excluding hysterectomy. Three
women (0.6%) developed regular incontinence during
the year of investigation. There was no convincing
case of spontaneous remission.
From the study, the authors conclude that in women
aged 50-74 years, about one in five will need treatment
of some sort. Urinary incontinence is a chronic condition
with little tendency to go away without treatment.
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