Washington, DC -- Nearly one out of every four women ages 70-79 experience some form of urinary incontinence (UI) at least once a week, according to research published in the August issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Certain health factors such as diabetes, arthritis, weight, and oral estrogen use appear to be associated with an increased risk of UI. The study found no relationship, however, between previous childbirth and incontinence. The research also found that nearly twice as many white women as black women report experiencing at least one episode of UI a week.

There are two main types of urinary incontinence. One form, stress incontinence, occurs when coughing, laughing, lifting, standing up, and/or during exercise. Urge incontinence, the most common type, is unrelated to any specific activity.

Data were pulled from a larger health study known as The Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study* that evaluated a range of health issues among well-functioning men and women ages 70-79. Researchers reviewed data from 1,558 women. The majority (84%) of women rated their health as good or excellent even though 64% had arthritis, 55% had hypertension, and 20% had insulin-dependent diabetes. Overall, 21% reported either experiencing UI at least weekly (9.6% reported daily UI and 11.6% reported weekly UI). Of this 21%, 40% reported stress incontinence and 42% reported urge incontinence. Another 14% reported UI that was unrelated to stress or urge.

Insulin-dependent diabetes, depression, and older age increased the risk of urge incontinence while chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and being overweight increased the risk of stress incontinence. Arthritis, oral estrogen hormone therapy, and being Caucasian increased the risk of both types of incontinence.

The researchers note that UI is a common medical condition among women over age 60, and it results in a 3-fold increase in nursing home admissions, social isolation, and stress. The health cost associated with UI is estimated at $26 billion annually. Further studies are needed to identify preventable or modifiable risk factors for UI, the researchers say.

Contact: Rebecca Jackson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Francisco General Hospital, CA at jacksonr@obgyn.ucsf.edu or 415-206-8358.

* Supported by grants from the National Institute on Aging

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