Four Risk Factors Of Urinary Incontinence In Younger Women
This condition is supposed to happen to women who were in the menopausal stage or those who have undergone childbirth. Yet, it is not uncommon to hear of young women who have not given birth complaining of urinary incontinence. And we are not talking here of number that may be dismissed as negligible.
In a study conducted in Australia involving 1,000 women aged 16 to 30 years and who have never given birth, it was found out that 130 of these women or 13 percent have been going through with bouts of urinary incontinence. Other studies conducted in the United States have reported the same results.
This situation has become a big concern for a lot people especially those affected with this condition. They are supposed to be in their primes and with a big world still to be conquered. This has particularly affected their social lives in a time where they are supposed to be going out with friends and their special loved one.
So it is natural to ask why this is happening to very young women who are in the best of health and not much exposed to the wear and tear of daily living. Specialists in the field of urogynecology have devoted time on this matter and have come up with explanations for this occurrence. Among the more plausible reasons are the following:
Sports Related
Research has shown that at least 20 percent of women athletes have reported incidents of urinary incontinence particularly during the actual games. This may be due to sports injuries or the repeated impact of their chosen sports. Women who are involved in high-impact events such as running, parachuting, and gymnastics have been found to be more exposed to risks of incontinence. These activities may cause stress to the pelvic muscles and connective tissues that support the bladder and other pelvic organs.
Hereditary Factors
Another reason pointed out by experts is the genetic disposition. Like other diseases such as osteoarthritis and bad eyesight, this condition may run in the family. If your mother experienced incontinence, then most likely the daughter will encounter the same condition. Factors like lifestyle and physical activities make it possible for this condition to appear early in her life when compared to those not genetically predisposed.
Habits
It has also been suggested that urinary incontinence in young adulthood may be the result of a young girls habit brought to womanhood. It is very common to see school girls going to the bathroom as often as possible so as not to disrupt the class by frequent trips to the toilet. In many instances also, mothers ask their children to urinate even when there is no urge just because they are leaving the house. These frequent trips to the bathroom may become a habit that these are practiced even when they have grown up.
Lifestyle
While not exactly a root cause, ones lifestyle tends to add risks to incontinence. Alcohol and caffeine which are very common beverages act as diuretic which affects the bladder. Certain foods especially those that are spicy have the tendency to worsen damage to the pelvic muscles.
In a study conducted in Australia involving 1,000 women aged 16 to 30 years and who have never given birth, it was found out that 130 of these women or 13 percent have been going through with bouts of urinary incontinence. Other studies conducted in the United States have reported the same results.
This situation has become a big concern for a lot people especially those affected with this condition. They are supposed to be in their primes and with a big world still to be conquered. This has particularly affected their social lives in a time where they are supposed to be going out with friends and their special loved one.
So it is natural to ask why this is happening to very young women who are in the best of health and not much exposed to the wear and tear of daily living. Specialists in the field of urogynecology have devoted time on this matter and have come up with explanations for this occurrence. Among the more plausible reasons are the following:
Sports Related
Research has shown that at least 20 percent of women athletes have reported incidents of urinary incontinence particularly during the actual games. This may be due to sports injuries or the repeated impact of their chosen sports. Women who are involved in high-impact events such as running, parachuting, and gymnastics have been found to be more exposed to risks of incontinence. These activities may cause stress to the pelvic muscles and connective tissues that support the bladder and other pelvic organs.
Hereditary Factors
Another reason pointed out by experts is the genetic disposition. Like other diseases such as osteoarthritis and bad eyesight, this condition may run in the family. If your mother experienced incontinence, then most likely the daughter will encounter the same condition. Factors like lifestyle and physical activities make it possible for this condition to appear early in her life when compared to those not genetically predisposed.
Habits
It has also been suggested that urinary incontinence in young adulthood may be the result of a young girls habit brought to womanhood. It is very common to see school girls going to the bathroom as often as possible so as not to disrupt the class by frequent trips to the toilet. In many instances also, mothers ask their children to urinate even when there is no urge just because they are leaving the house. These frequent trips to the bathroom may become a habit that these are practiced even when they have grown up.
Lifestyle
While not exactly a root cause, ones lifestyle tends to add risks to incontinence. Alcohol and caffeine which are very common beverages act as diuretic which affects the bladder. Certain foods especially those that are spicy have the tendency to worsen damage to the pelvic muscles.