This post is in collaboration with The Continence Foundation.
I love being a woman, but there are times when I think it really sucks.
Have you ever considered how much easier it is for males to pee?!
Females are also much more prone to urinary tract infections, due to having a shorter urethra.
Then there’s periods – messy, annoying, embarrassing, expensive, and sometimes downright painful.
As a middle aged woman, we become familiar with the joys of menopause – hot flushes, insomnia, and the like. And it’s usually around this time that the need for regular mammograms kicks in.
Pregnancy and childbirth – although wonderful experiences – certainly place a huge demand on a woman’s body.
Some Serious Girl Talk
I think it’s fair to say that any – or all! – of these problems come up in conversation, whenever two or more women are having a chat.
But there’s one wee problem (sorry, couldn’t resist the pun) that we don’t talk about much.
And even if we do, we assume it’s just part of being a woman, especially if you’ve had children, or reached middle age.
If we are brave enough to discuss it with friends, we tend to laugh it off with an embarrassing story.
But it’s no laughing matter.
I’m talking about incontinence.
Now I’m not saying men are immune from this wee problem – especially if they’ve had surgery for prostate cancer.
But according to The Continence Foundation, it’s us women who suffer from it far more frequently.
Would You Admit to a Wee Problem?
I must confess: I know what it’s like.
For years, I suffered from severe hay fever with bouts of violent sneezing (until I had allergy injections – but that’s a whole ‘nother story!).
And when I sneezed, I discovered I had a bit of an issue. As if I wasn’t feeling miserable enough already!
I tried to remember to do my pelvic floor exercises*, but with just 2% of women performing these the recommended three times a day, you probably won’t be surprised to learn that I was in the 98%.
I learned to brace myself whenever I felt a sneeze coming on, hoping for the best!
Having a wee problem sounds pretty normal to most women.
But while incontinence is common, it’s NOT normal. Nor is it linked to ageing, as many assume – more than half of sufferers are under the age of 50!
The good news is, treatment is simple and effective – particularly if you seek help for your wee problem sooner rather than later.
World Continence Week
To mark World Continence Week (June 19-25), here are some statistics from The Continence Foundation:
- About 4.8 million Australians – one in four people aged 15 years or over – are incontinent.
- By 2030, the prevalence is estimated to increase to 6.5 million Australians.
- 80 per cent of people living with incontinence are women.
- More than half of the women with incontinence are under 50 years of age (1.7 million).
- The majority of people affected by incontinence can be cured or better managed.
- People with incontinence also commonly experience depression and anxiety.
- Incontinence impacts self-esteem, motivation, dignity and independence.
- Incontinence is more prevalent than asthma (more than 2 million), anxiety disorders (2.3 million) and arthritis (3.1 million).
- In 2010, the cost of incontinence, including the burden of disease, was estimated to be $42.9 billion.
I think it just goes to show that what we might think of as a wee problem, is actually affecting the quality of life of an awful lot of Australians – when it doesn’t have to!
For more information on the signs of incontinence and advice about how you can solve this wee problem, visit the Continence Foundation of Australia’s website, continence.org.au and stop just laughing it off with friends!
Are you game to share if you struggle with a wee problem?!
*Not sure how to do them correctly? Here’s a helpful guide to pelvic floor exercises for women.
I put up with the problem for decades then last year I changed my GP and she put me on a medication that’s helped quite a lot. Pelvic floor exercises wouldn’t have helped the type I had (I did try them!). So I encourage others to see their GP for help.
Hi June, I’ve had a couple of people wondering about the medication you mentioned, can you tell us more?!
They are interesting facts! I admit it. I have a wee problem. I have had for a few years now and I’m not even 50 yet. Definitely not an age issue. June’s comment is interesting. I went to the GP and they want me to go to the fanny physio. I just don’t like the idea of getting physio for “down there” so I’m keen to hear more about what medication might be available.
I’ve asked June so will let you know if I find out anything more!
Hi Leanne, June says: It’s called Vesicare. It’s for what they call an ‘overactive bladder’, where you get an uncontrollable urge to go. It works by relaxing the involuntary muscle in the wall of the bladder. It’s helped quite a lot. The main side effect is a dry mouth, which is quite common. You can read more about it at http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/liver-kidney-and-urinary-system/a8602/vesicare-solifenacin/.
This is one issue I haven’t had (yet!), but a few friends have a wee problem and it sucks. Your advice is great. I didn’t even know there was a Continence Foundation! I’ll pass the info on to my friends.
Thanks for the reminder to do my pelvic floor exercises too 🙂
I’ve had several women mention they do them at red traffic lights. I don’t drive often enough for that to be much use to me, still trying to think of a way to remember to do them regularly!
I think most of us have a wee problem when we cough or sneeze. You are right it is something that a lot of women don’t talk about because they feel embarrassed to admit it. I have been doing Pilates for years now and these exercises involve engaging your pelvic core muscles. It definitely helps, but I am interested to see what else we can do to alleviate this wee problem.
I’ve never done Pilates and am interested to try it.
I’m so glad that these type of women’s problems are being discussed more ‘out loud.’ You are so right about this wee problem affecting the dignity and confidence of those who suffer from it. I know two women who whisper to me about the ‘I’ word and it really affects their everyday life. It runs in my family too so there’s not much chance for me either but everyday I wake up, sneeze and nothing much happens I count my blessings from any Deity that’s listening! Great post and I loved your humorous but informative tone.
Thank you so much Jo x
Don’t even get me started on bladder problems. I don’t have incontinence thank God but my ancient fox terrier does and had to be put on hormone replacement therapy for dogs. There but for the grace of God go I!
OMG, there’s HRT for dogs?! Now I’ve heard everything!
I’m surprised by the facts as well as I assumed it was limited to older women, though know I hear of woman complaining about it after having kids.
I think it’s seen as ‘normal’ enough to talk about -not seen as a weakness or something to be embarrassed about.
I do though think there’s some stigma in terms of buying ‘incontinence pads’ vs panty liners for eg… I’m pretty sure buying the latter is something we’d been seen doing in public, but not sure about the former!
I would HATE to need incontinence pads, it has been such a relief since my hysterectomy to not have to worry about sanitary products, it would really feel like a step backwards 🙁
True. There us a stigma. There shouldn’t be of course!
I Sometimes have the problem. . Thanks for raising the issue!
Let’s hope more women seek out help instead of suffering in silence!