Incontinence Affects Mental Health – Actively Offer Help

Risk Factors for the Onset of Incontinence

Proven risk factors contribute to the onset of incontinence. One of them is female gender, as women suffer from incontinence 2−3× more often than men, especially true for younger age groups. As age increases, the differences between the genders blur, and the prevalence and severity of leaks also rise. Other risk factors include age, race, multiparity in women, obesity, and nicotine use. There is also speculation about the influence of recurring urinary tract infections, immobility, gynecological surgeries, cognitive disorders, or complicated vaginal births, which can also contribute to the development of incontinence.

Reduction in Health-Related Quality of Life

Most studies focusing on the impact of incontinence on a patient's quality of life are primarily targeted at the female population. For instance, a 2014 survey conducted by physicians from the United Kingdom aimed to determine, using validated questionnaires, the impact of urinary incontinence on health-related quality of life in working-age women in selected European countries and the USA. More than 1200 women participated in the survey, and the results showed that the impact of urinary incontinence on quality of life increases with the severity of the leaks. According to the respondents, the most significant impact of incontinence was on social and family life.

Within the survey, women were divided into three groups based on the severity of their symptoms: 87% rated urinary leakage as mild, 11% as moderate, and only 2% of women suffered from severe incontinence. Although the survey did not consider the type of incontinence, it is assumed that most of the women surveyed could benefit from conservative therapy, and most could be fully cured of their symptoms if they sought medical attention.

Relationship Between Incontinence and Mental Well-being

The aforementioned survey was followed by a 2016 analysis by Andrew P. Smith from the United Kingdom. His aim was to determine the relationship between incontinence and the mental well-being of working-age women in various European countries and the USA. Mental well-being is understood as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not just the absence of disease or weakness. The study compared groups of women with and without urinary incontinence and how their mental well-being was influenced by demographic factors, physical activity, or frequency of sexual activity. More than 1200 incontinent women and 1200 women without incontinence participated. The results showed that incontinent women suffer from a lower level of mental well-being. It is also low in women who exhibit less physical or sexual activity.

Significant Impact on Mental Health Regardless of Gender

Not only cited research confirms the generally known fact that incontinent patients often suffer greatly, regardless of gender or age, even though everyone perceives urinary leakage issues differently. Patients in working age are more likely to limit social contact, physical activities, leave their jobs, and give up daily life. The issues also reflect in their partner and sexual lives. The older population is more at risk of health complications due to incontinence.

However, patients of all age groups experience the same feelings, including shame, feelings of inferiority, feelings of failure, and also hope that the issues will resolve on their own. These are reasons why they do not want to confide in anyone and withdraw into themselves. Unfortunately, incontinence remains a taboo topic among people, even though confiding about the problem has a positive impact on relationships and the patient's self-confidence.

Conclusion

General practitioners are often the first to come into contact with an incontinent patient. It is important from their position to raise awareness about incontinence, break down barriers, and actively inquire about the presence of incontinence, especially in high-risk groups.

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Sources:
1. Abrams P., Smith A. P., Cotterill N. The impact of urinary incontinence on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a real-world population of women aged 45-60 years: results from a survey in France, Germany, the UK and the USA. BJU Int 2015; 115 (1): 143−152, doi: 10.1111/bju.12852.
2. Smith A. P. Female urinary incontinence and wellbeing: results from a multi-national survey. BMC Urol 2016; 16 (1): 22, doi: 10.1186/s12894-016-0140-z.