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January 15, 2024
For the substantial percentage of women, ranging from 30 to 50 percent, grappling with urinary incontinence, new research underlines the potential transformation of this prevalent condition into a significant health concern. Researchers from RUSH shed light on a correlation between more frequent urinary incontinence and increased likelihood of disability, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues early on. The findings of this study, published in the January issue of Menopause, suggest that timely intervention and exploration of treatment options in the initial stages may play a pivotal role in mitigating potential disability risks for midlife women.
Sheila Dugan, MD, Chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at RUSH, elucidated the often overlooked progression of symptoms associated with urinary incontinence. Frequently dismissed until they become bothersome or impede physical and social activities, urinary incontinence, as per the study, is associated with a heightened risk of disability. Dr. Dugan advocates for proactive measures, urging women to explore treatment options during the early stages to potentially curtail adverse outcomes in midlife.
Urinary incontinence manifests in various forms, affecting women at different points in their lives. Stress incontinence, characterized by leakage during activities such as sneezing or coughing, is a prevalent subtype. Dr. Dugan explained that the mechanical pressure exerted on the sphincter during these activities overwhelms it, leading to leakage. Another form is urge incontinence, where a compelling urge to urinate, often when nearing a restroom, is experienced. Mixed urinary incontinence, a combination of stress and urge incontinence, is also observed in some women.
Researchers in the study scrutinized the amount and frequency of incontinence, categorizing participants based on whether they exhibited stress incontinence, urge incontinence, or both. Disability was measured using the World Health Organization disability assessment scale as the primary outcome. The study highlighted that mixed incontinence, daily incontinence, and larger amounts of incontinence were most strongly correlated with disability.
Dr. Dugan, a driving force behind the Program for Abdominal and Pelvic Health at RUSH, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive examination for each patient to determine causes and tailor treatment options accordingly. The Program addresses various conditions, including urinary incontinence, employing assessments to identify whether tight muscles or weakness contribute to the issue.
The data utilized in the study originated from the SWAN (Study of Women Across the Nation) clinical trial, encompassing over 1,800 participants. Dr. Dugan stressed the need for additional studies to uncover the underlying causes of the association between urinary incontinence and disability, with a particular focus on preventive measures.
As the research unfolds, the imperative of early intervention and proactive management for urinary incontinence gains prominence in safeguarding the well-being of women and potentially averting future disability risks.
