At What Age Can Urinary Incontinence Symptoms Begin?

When we think of urinary incontinence in women, there's often a misconception that it's an issue reserved for older adults. But at what age can these symptoms truly start? Many women are surprised to learn that incontinence issues — like leaking urine when coughing — can emerge much earlier in life. At Amour Medical Aesthetics in Chico, CA, Dr. David Alonso and our team are happy to shed light on the age spectrum of these symptoms and break down your treatment options so you can take back control.

What causes urinary incontinence?

Contrary to popular belief, age is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to urinary incontinence. Life transitions, including pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause, often introduce early incontinence symptoms. External elements like urinary tract infections, specific medications, neurological disorders, and even day-to-day habits, such as caffeine consumption or smoking, can worsen or trigger the condition. Further complicating matters, genetics may predispose some women to experience symptoms earlier than others.

What are the different types of urinary incontinence?

• Functional incontinence: Functional incontinence is less about the bladder and more about one's ability to reach a restroom in time. Conditions that hinder movement or cognitive disorders can lead to this form, affecting a broad age range.
• Overflow incontinence: Overflow incontinence is characterized by the bladder's inability to empty fully, causing unexpected dribbling. Factors like nerve damage, often seen in older women, are typical culprits, but younger women with specific conditions can be affected, too.
• Stress incontinence: Especially prevalent among younger and middle-aged women, stress incontinence manifests when activities like lifting or laughing put pressure on the bladder, causing accidental leakage. A classic example of this is leaking urine when coughing, which many women might experience without recognizing it as a form of incontinence.
• Urge incontinence: Urge incontinence is often referred to as an "overactive bladder." It's not strictly tied to age and can result from infections or neurological issues. It's defined by a sudden, strong urge to urinate.
• Mixed incontinence: Mixed incontinence combines the challenges of different kinds of incontinence and is frequently seen in middle-aged to senior women.

What are some symptoms of urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence symptoms can manifest in various ways and might appear in one's late 20s, evolving over decades:

• Unexpected leaks, especially during physical exertion
• A powerful, often uncontrollable urge to urinate
• Multiple nighttime awakenings to use the restroom
• Difficulty emptying the bladder in one visit to the restroom

How do you treat urinary incontinence?

There are several steps you can take to manage your urinary incontinence symptoms, from pelvic floor exercises to diet and lifestyle changes. Amour Medical Aesthetics is also pleased to offer a selection of state-of-the-art urinary incontinence treatments, including:

• MonaLisa Touch®: Laser technology rejuvenates vaginal tissues, combating factors contributing to incontinence, especially post-menopausal changes.
• EMSELLA®: This treatment employs electromagnetic therapy, targeting and strengthening pelvic floor muscles, an integral aspect of urinary control.
• Alma Duo®: This holistic approach combines various treatment modalities, addressing incontinence's root causes to produce both immediate relief and long-term results.

Get help managing your urinary incontinence symptoms

From the vibrant 20s to the graceful 70s, every woman deserves freedom from the constraints of urinary incontinence. Under Dr. David Alonso's expertise, we at Amour Medical Aesthetics in Chico, CA, are equipped and ready to guide you. With a blend of traditional therapy and pioneering treatments like MonaLisa Touch, EMSELLA, and Alma Duo, we're here to usher you into an era of confidence and control. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.