Recently, Aeroflow Urology, a national provider of continence care supplies through insurance, surveyed hundreds of women, aged 40-64, to learn more about their journey with incontinence. The results were astonishing.
The poll showed us that while almost ¾ of middle age women are affected by incontinence, there is a large gap in education and resources available to these women as they navigate these changes to their body without help or guidance from their healthcare provider.
Incontinence In Middle Age Women, By The Numbers:
Prevalence
- Incontinence is very common among women aged 40-64, with 72% having experienced it and 74% of women first experiencing incontinence between those same ages.
- 65% say they experience bladder leakage at least once a month and for 25% of women, it is a daily occurrence.
Stigma
- 52% of middle age women have tried to hide loss of bladder control after experiencing it in public, while another 42% are embarrassed to discuss it with family or friends, suggesting the presence of a strong stigma.
- For over half ( 53%) of women, incontinence affects their daily lives and activities, including work, career, education, ability to exercise, ability to run errands, and even their ability to attend social gatherings.
Barriers To Treatment And Education
- 56% did not visit a doctor after experiencing loss of bladder control, and 37% said they did not seek treatment because they did not think it was a big deal, illustrating a lack of education on incontinence.
