What makes you susceptible
RISK FACTORS & COMPLICATIONS
Being female and advancing in age are the two most common risk factors for incontinence, but they’re not the only ones. What cannot be understated is that left untreated, urinary incontinence can lead to infections and other more serious health problems.
Risk Factors
Factors that increase the risk of getting urinary incontinence include:
- Caucasian or Hispanic race
- Overweight or obesity
- Smoking
- Chronic coughing
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Nerve injuries to the lower back
- Pelvic surgery
Complications
Common complications of chronic urinary incontinence can include but are not limited to:
- Rashes
- Skin infections & sores
- Urinary tract infections
- Affects on social and personal life
While physical discomfort affects your daily life, the emotional stress of dealing with urinary incontinence is an important factor to consider. The Urology Care Foundation, official foundation of the American Urological Association, says many people who have urinary incontinence don’t tell anyone about their symptoms; they’re embarrassed and believe nothing can be done, and so suffer in silence. Dealing with urinary incontinence without treatment can affect the emotional, psychological and social life – those who suffer are not able to live their full lives, afraid to stray too far from a toilet.