A new study found that middle-aged women are more likely to fall into depression if they are diagnosed with urinary incontinence.
Most women find it embarrassing to talk about urinary incontinence, a medical disorder which causes involuntary leakage of urine. A study conducted by researchers from the University of Adelaide finds that women aged between 43 and 65 years of age with this disorder are more likely to fall into depression than older women aged 65 years and above.
Researcher Jodie Avery said in a press release that while medical help is available to all women with this disorder, younger and middle-aged women feel this disorder hits their self esteem very hard while older women are more resilient and willing to accept their condition. Avery states that this order causes such women to experience issues with family, sexual relationships and sport and leisure activities. She reveals that it hurts women in their prime to admit they can't go dancing or for long walks or can't play certain sport activities.
The author of the study also reveals that a total of 35 percent of the female population are affected by this disorder and the primary cause for it has been cited as pregnancy. Avery reveals that with each pregnancy a woman's chances of being diagnosed with urinary incontinence increases.
The study revealed that 20 percent of patients with urinary incontinence also suffer from depressions and most women are hesitant to seek medical help for their problems. Most often than not, this disorder is curable with an operation.
Avery also states that when doctors diagnose a patient with urinary incontinence, they should be aware that this disorder also lead to depression and should provide appropriate medical suggestions and health care about the same.
"Ultimately, we hope that our research helps to raise awareness in the community about both the mental and physical issues associated with incontinence. We know it's embarrassing, but if you discuss it with your GP, your life really can change," concludes the author.
