Inkontinenz bei jungen Frauen

Incontinence in Young Women

Many people think that urinary incontinence only affects older women or mothers after multiple births. But that's not true. Even young women – even teenagers – can suffer from incontinence, and without ever having been pregnant. The good news: you are not alone. The even better news: something can be done about it.

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How common is incontinence in young women?


Studies show:

  • About 3% of teenage girls are affected.
  • For young women in their twenties (without births), the number increases slightly.
  • Up to 50% of all adult women occasionally experience urinary incontinence.
  • About 10% experience symptoms at least once a week.

The most common form is stress incontinence. This occurs when urine leaks under pressure – for example, when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. It's important to remember: urinary incontinence is common – but not "normal." You don't have to live with it.

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Why are particularly athletic young women affected?

Urinary incontinence is more common in sports that involve a lot of jumping. These include:

  • Gymnastics
  • Trampolining
  • Athletics
  • Volleyball, handball, basketball
  • Dance

When jumping and changing direction quickly, strong forces act on the pelvic floor. Especially in trampolining, studies report that up to two-thirds of female athletes are affected by incontinence.

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Other causes of incontinence in young women


Intense exercise is just one possible trigger. There are many other reasons:

1. Holding it in for too long

Those who frequently postpone going to the toilet can disrupt the body's natural signals.
The body signals, but if you constantly ignore it, this can affect bladder control. Even very frequent "precautionary" toilet trips can make the bladder more sensitive.

 

2. Urinary tract infections

A bladder infection can lead to urge incontinence:

  • Burning sensation during urination
  • Constant urge to urinate
  • Sometimes you don't make it to the toilet in time

If you experience these symptoms, you should have them checked by a doctor to see if an infection is present.

  

3. Medications

Some medications can:

  • affect bladder function
  • increase the urge to urinate
  • make control difficult

If symptoms appear after starting a new medication, talk to your doctor.

 

4. Hormonal changes

Even in young women, hormonal fluctuations can affect the pelvic floor and mucous membranes, for example due to:

  • the pill
  • menstrual cycle changes
  • eating disorders with a low BMI

 

5. Eating disorders and very low BMI


Underweight can lead to hormonal changes, which can affect the stability of the pelvic floor. Studies show that young women with eating disorders are more frequently affected.

 

6. Chronic cough or straining


Asthma, allergies, or chronic constipation permanently increase pressure in the abdomen. This can strain the pelvic floor structures.

 

7. Psychological stress and tension


Stress can make the bladder more sensitive and worsen urge symptoms. The connection between the nervous system and the bladder is very close.

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Is incontinence at a young age a warning sign?


Research shows that women who suffer from incontinence very early in life – for example, as competitive athletes – have a higher risk of recurrent symptoms later on. This does not mean that it "has to stay that way." But it is worthwhile to take action early.

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What really helps?


The best-studied measure is pelvic floor training. Numerous studies prove that targeted training is effective for stress incontinence. Important points:

  • The exercises must be performed correctly
  • Regularity is crucial
  • In case of doubt, a specialized physiotherapist can help

Pelvic floor therapy can also be combined very well with pessaries. In many cases, the symptoms disappear completely or significantly improve. Talk to your physiotherapist or gynecologist.

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You don't have to live with it!


Yes, incontinence can affect young women too. No, you are not alone. And most importantly: you don't have to live with it. With the right knowledge, targeted training, and – if necessary – medical support, symptoms can usually be treated well.

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© Photo: mastercowley/pexels

 

 

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