As reported in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, a study found
that incontinence may make many women reluctant to participate in sports.
Researchers surveyed 679 Italian women between the ages of 14 and 51 who participated in non-competitive sports. Urinary incontinence was reported by just under 15% of the women. This rate is lower than in most studies due to the younger age of those surveyed.
Researchers found that 1 in 10 of these pre-menopausal women had given up sports because of stress urinary incontinence.
Women with more than one child were more likely to be incontinent than those women with no children. Also, being overweight was also found to increase the incidence of incontinence.
Thirty percent (30%) of the women reporting urinary leakage switched sports or modified their participation to minimize episodes of incontinence. It was also noted that activities that involve repetitive bouncing (the trampoline, perhaps) resulted in the highest rates of incontinence.
Investigators said that although stress incontinence impacted the women’s quality of life and recreational activities, few women sought help for the condition.
Hopefully, with more education, women and men will realize that stress urinary incontinence is treatable. And that they can discuss incontinence, and their options, with their health care provider.
(Photo credit: roshibaba from morguefile.com)
I’m a male, 56 that had prostate cancer and had my prostate removed 2 months ago. I’m now experiencing the incontinence thing and there are many things I was told from my Dr that I can try to help me with this but they are not covered under my health insurance policy. These are Biofeed-back programs. If my Dr who is on my health provider Dr.s list prescribes these programs then how can I get my health insurance co to help pay for these? Any ideas?
Hi Greg,
When insurance does not cover biofeedback, the department I work in bills
it under ‘neurological re-education’.
You might want to discuss this with the therapist that would be treating
you. It is my understanding that this is a common practice as it was discussed
in a continuing education course I attended.
Good luck….
Peggy