Does Urinary Incontinence Run in the Family?: 5 Best Ways to Manage Urinary Incontinence
YOUR GENES MAY INFLUENCE YOUR RISK OF URINARY INCONTINENCE. HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT..
Urinary incontinence is a common condition, especially in older men and women. Research shows that around 21% of men aged 65 years and up experience this condition [1].
Urinary incontinence also affects a larger percentage of women than men. Studies published in 2022 have found that more than 60% of adult women in the US are dealing with some form of urinary incontinence. Women older than 70 and those who have given birth vaginally are more likely to experience urinary incontinence [2].
Many factors could impact the onset of incontinence, such as childbirth, hormonal changes and aging. It is well known that older age may increase the risk of urinary incontinence. And now, scientists also found that genes may also play a role in developing incontinence.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the role of genetics in urinary incontinence. We’ll also explore what you can do to reduce the impact of this condition.
Is Urinary Incontinence Genetic?
Several studies have found evidence that genes may be associated with urinary incontinence. For instance, a study conducted on over 25,000 Swedish twins found that genes can influence a woman’s risk of developing urinary incontinence and nocturia (frequent nighttime urination). Researchers concluded that around 50% of urinary incontinence cases in participants could be explained by genetic factors [4].
Another study involving Danish twins showed that genetic factors might put you at a higher risk of experiencing urge and mixed incontinence [5]. The study found that the heritability of both incontinence types ranged from 27% to 55%, suggesting that genes may play a significant part in the development of urge and mixed incontinence.
Although genes may be associated with the development of urinary incontinence, there isn’t a single gene responsible for urinary incontinence. Instead, a number of different genes, as well as environmental factors, can interact to influence your risk of having this condition [3].
To sum it up, urinary incontinence is a multifactorial condition, so it’s unlikely that genes alone are responsible for causing it. Environmental factors also play a huge part in determining your risk of getting urinary incontinence [3].
Some of the major risk factors of urinary incontinence include the following:
- Older age
- Hormone changes
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Pregnancy and giving birth vaginally
- Certain medical conditions, such as a stroke or Parkinson’s disease
5 Best Ways to Manage Urinary Incontinence
If you have parents or family members with urinary incontinence, you may be concerned about your risk of developing the condition yourself.
Although research has discovered that urinary incontinence can run in the family, having a family member with the condition does not guarantee that you will develop it in the future.
While we cannot modify our genes, we can learn to manage other risk factors associated with this condition, such as smoking and weight.
The following are some practical steps you can take to maintain a healthy bladder and reduce your risk of experiencing urinary incontinence.
Perform pelvic floor exercises
Pelvic floor exercises are also known as Kegel exercises. These are performed by repeatedly contracting and relaxing the muscles of the pelvic floor, which are the muscles that lie under your bladder and bowel.
Kegel training can help to train and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and improve bladder control [6]. Thus, these exercises may be helpful in reducing the risk of urinary incontinence [7].
Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight is another factor that can contribute to the development of urinary incontinence, and research has found that an increase in body mass index (BMI) can raise your risk of this condition. Excessive body weight may increase bladder pressure, leading to an overactive bladder [8].
Because of this, maintaining a healthy weight may play a role in lowering the risk of incontinence. A study discovered that losing around 5-10% of the initial body weight helped to improve symptoms of urinary incontinence in women who were overweight [9].
Quit smoking
Smoking may be a risk factor for incontinence in both men and women, especially in younger age groups [10, 11]. Smoking can irritate the bladder, and a smoker’s cough may cause urine leakage.
Quitting smoking can be challenging. But your healthcare professional may be able to provide advice and recommend medications that can help you quit with a higher chance of success.
Prevent constipation
According to research, constipation is associated with an increased risk of urinary incontinence [12]. When your bowels are full, they may press up against your bladder. This applies excess pressure on your bladder and may cause you to feel the need to urinate urgently.
To prevent constipation, include more fiber-rich foods in your diet and drink plenty of fluids unless advised otherwise by your healthcare professional. Staying active and getting enough exercise can also help to prevent constipation.
Try bladder supplements
Different herbs can support your bladder’s health. So if you’re keen on trying out supplements to maintain your bladder’s health, BetterWOMAN and BetterMAN are clinically-tested supplements that can help.
These supplements are formulated to increase blood circulation, regulate hormone levels, and support the healthy function of the bladder muscles and nerves.
Protect Your Bladder Health As Early On As Possible
Urinary incontinence may run in the family, which means that you might be at a higher risk of developing urinary incontinence in the future if you have family members with the condition.
We cannot modify our genes, but we can protect our bladder health as early as possible to reduce our risk of bladder problems.
BetterWOMAN and BetterMAN are clinically-tested supplements that contain a holistic blend of Chinese herbs. When paired with healthy lifestyle changes, these supplements can help to support the optimal functioning of your urinary system.
Read Related Articles: Bladder Control Problems, Overactive Bladder (OAB), Incontinence