Incontinence: Understanding a Common Issue
Incontinence, the involuntary loss of urine or stool, is a surprisingly common issue affecting millions of people worldwide. While often associated with ageing, it can occur at any stage of life and for various reasons.
While there’s no central official data collection, here are some insights about incontinence in the UK:
Estimated Prevalence:
- Urinary Incontinence (UI):
- Around 14 million people in the UK are estimated to have some degree of UI, according to NHS England [1].
- This can be twice as prevalent in women compared to men [2].
- Faecal Incontinence (FI):
- Over half a million adults experience regular FI that impacts their quality of life [2].
- Prevalence increases significantly with age, particularly in care home settings [2].
Causes and Risk Factors:
Several factors can contribute to incontinence, including:
- Pelvic floor muscles that are not working optimally: These muscles support the bladder and bowel and can weaken due to childbirth, ageing, or certain neurological conditions. It is important to know that too tight pelvic floor muscles can also lead to incontinence.
- Medical conditions: Diabetes, urinary tract infections, and neurological disorders can all contribute to incontinence.
- Lifestyle factors: Obesity, smoking, and chronic coughing can put additional pressure on the bladder and increase the risk of leakage.
Impact:
- Incontinence can significantly impact quality of life, leading to social isolation, loss of dignity, emotional distress, reduced physical activity and potential admission to care facilities [4].
- Many people are reluctant to seek help due to stigma and social embarrassment surrounding the topic [2, 4].
These are estimations based on available research and guidance. It’s crucial to remember that these numbers don’t reflect the full picture due to underreporting and the lack of centralised data collection.
Breaking the Stigma:
Incontinence is often shrouded in stigma and embarrassment, leading many people to suffer in silence and avoid seeking help. It’s crucial to remember that incontinence is a medical condition, not a character flaw. Seeking professional help is essential for proper diagnosis and accessing the most effective treatment options.
If you are experiencing incontinence, you are not alone. Incontinence can be managed, and regaining control can significantly improve your quality of life so seeking help is essential.
Pelvic floor health and yoga
Yoga is a great tool for improving overall pelvic floor health and for prevention of both tightness and weakness. It also offers a complementary approach to managing incontinence, potentially improving symptom severity, reducing reliance on medications, and enhancing overall well-being.
Do get in touch if you want to explore how yoga can help the health of your pelvic floor. I offer 1-2-1 classes that can be tailored to your specific needs. You can learn more about them here. If you prefer online group classes, you can register your interest and join the waitlist here.
Sources:
- [1] House of Commons Library
- [2] Incontinence UK
- [3] Bladder & Bowel UK
- [4] NHS England
