Women's health
6 incontinence myths we need to stop believing
Urinary incontinence – the inability to control urine leaking from the bladder – is far from uncommon. Research indicates that over 50% of post-menopausal women experience this concern. Hormonal shifts, vaginal dryness, and increased pelvic muscle weakness are linked to its occurrence.
However, because we generally view incontinence as an ‘embarrassing’ condition, discussions are few and far between. This results in many individuals not understanding what causes incontinence and how they can manage it.
To get started, we asked six experts to dispel the biggest incontinence myths – and reveal the truths behind them.
6 incontinence myths we need to stop believing
Myth 1: There’s only one type of incontinence
There are two main types of incontinence: stress and urge. Stress is the more common, although some people can experience both, known as ‘mixed incontinence’.
“Stress incontinence occurs when pressure is exerted down onto the bladder and pelvic floor,” says Clare Bourne, a leading pelvic health physiotherapist and author of Strong Foundations.
She states that pressure can arise from activities such as running, sneezing, or laughing.
“Urge incontinence occurs when we have the urge to wee and leak urine on our way to the toilet,” she notes. This type of incontinence results when the bladder muscles involuntarily contract. Causes range from infection and medications to inflammation and neurological disorders.
Myth 2: Only women who have given birth experience incontinence issues
This is a big misnomer, says Dr Sarah Jenkins, aesthetic doctor and women’s health specialist at The Door W4. “Those who have never had children can really suffer with urinary leakage,” she explains. Instead, experts are now coming to understand the significant role that menopause plays in the development of incontinence.
“Menopause isn’t just hot flushes and night sweats,” says Sarah. “We have oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone receptors all throughout our bodies, which is why there is such a vast array of symptoms.” One of these symptoms includes urinary incontinence.
While ageing and hormonal changes can impact the bladder in various ways, a notable change is the shortening of the vaginal canal and urethra.
“This means we are more susceptible to bacteria entering into the urinary tract and causing infection,” Sarah adds. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a known factor in incontinence.
We may be tempted to wash more ‘down there’ to try and keep bacteria at bay. But this can actually make things worse. “Just using warm water in the shower is adequate to clean the delicate intimate area,” says Sarah.
Myth 3: It only affects us in old age
“Unfortunately, we only think of urinary problems when we think about older age,” says Dr Galyna Selezneva, aesthetic doctor and wellness specialist. She explains that, while there is a strong correlation between incontinence and ageing, increasing numbers of younger women are being diagnosed with urinary problems.
However, younger individuals don’t tend to recognise or worry about incontinence until it’s exacerbated by midlife changes. This is when it starts interfering more with our day-to-day lives.
“It’s when it becomes apparent and intolerable – usually in our mid-50s onwards and is worsened by symptoms of vaginal atrophy – that women start to look for treatment,” Dr Selezneva shares.
Myth 4: Incontinence is just a nuisance and not a ‘real’ health problem
This is certainly not the case, says Mr Amar Manandhar, consultant urological surgeon at The Harborne Hospital (part of HCA UK).
“Urinary incontinence has serious health and social consequences,” he states. “It’s linked with depression, decreased activity, and social withdrawal. It also affects relationships.”
One study of individuals with urge incontinence found that 60% experienced depression. Another noted that 57% of participants with stress incontinence also faced mild to severe depression.
Other related health concerns can also arise. Research reveals that 20% of those with incontinence also experience incontinence-associated dermatitis, resulting in skin redness, tenderness, and itching. “Older individuals with incontinence who frequently get up at night to urinate are at higher risk of falls that can result in injury,” adds Amar.
Myth 5: Limiting fluid intake will help with incontinence
You might think that drinking less will prevent the bladder from getting too full and leaking. But taking this approach can actually exacerbate incontinence concerns, says Dr Masarat Jilani, AKA the Selfcare Doctor and spokesperson for bladder supplement brand, Jude.
“Drinking less fluid can lead to concentrated urine, which can increase the urge to urinate and put you at risk of UTIs,” she reveals.
Instead, it’s crucial to stay well hydrated. “Adequate hydration helps keep your bladder healthy,” Masarat states. “However, you may want to avoid drinking too much caffeine, fizzy drinks, or alcohol. These are bladder irritants that can increase the urge to urinate.”
Myth 6: The only treatment is kegel exercises
For years, women were told that doing kegel exercises at home – contracting the pelvic floor muscles in time with the breath – was the only solution to treating urinary incontinence. While this may once have been the case, it certainly isn’t any more.
Advancements in technology mean women experiencing urinary leaks can now be given a big helping hand in treating their symptoms, says Dr Shirin Lakhani, intimate health specialist. For instance, the ‘Kegel Throne’ involves sitting fully clothed in a chair that uses electromagnetic fields to contract and release pelvic floor muscles. “It promises the equivalent of 11,400 kegel exercises per 30-minute treatment,” Shirin reveals.
Other in-clinic options include vaginal radiofrequency treatment. “This is a fast and effective treatment for vaginal laxity,” shares Shirin. “By improving vaginal tissue quality, it increases support for the neck of the bladder and urethra, and can therefore help improve incontinence.”
As Shirin explains, solutions are also available for treatment in the comfort of your home.
“Pelvic floor trainers are a small contraption which is inserted into the vagina,” she says. These devices are often connected to an app.
“These will most likely lead you through a series of exercises and workouts that are usually five to 10 minutes long,” says Shirin. Motion sensors on the device help ensure you are doing the pelvic floor muscle exercises correctly.
However, it’s crucial to get things checked out before undergoing any type of treatment. “Anyone experiencing urinary incontinence, pelvic pain or pressure, hip pain, sexual difficulty, and faecal incontinence should have a professional examination first,” states Shirin.
Words: Chantelle Pattemore
