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28 05 2001
One of the largest-ever studies into urinary incontinence in women has found a very high prevalence - even in young women, and even in those who've never had a baby - and that adolescent bedwetting might be an important and neglected factor.
The University of Newcastle in New South Wales has been following the health of 42,000 women, and one of the things they asked about was whether they had any problems holding their water.
The two main problems are stress incontinence, which affects younger women more. This is trouble with leakage when laughing, coughing or taking exercise.
The other problem, especially in older women, is urge incontinence - which is an intense desire to pass water and trouble holding on.
Line up 100 adult women and around 35 of them will have a problem.
The risk factors are: increased weight - every kilo adds more pressure to the bladder; child bearing - the first and fourth children are the ones which cause the problem; and adolescent bedwetting. One of the reasons for high rates among young women is the under-recognised issue of unresolved bedwetting which goes on into adolescence and even early adulthood. It's hidden and neglected.
The cost of incontinence is considerable to these women - hundreds of dollars a year, excluding the expense of treatments.
Teaching better bladder control and pelvic floor exercises to young women is thought to be part of the answer, and the Newcastle researchers have had some success with a more time-convenient regimen than is normally used.
If you want more advice, there is a National Continence Helpline on:
1 800 33 00 66.
Title: Medical Journal of Australia
Author: Doran C et al
2001 Vol 174 pp 456-458