Aging Weakens Pelvic Floor Muscles, Causing Incontinence in 32% of Women 55 to 64
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 18
Aging Weakens Pelvic Floor Muscles, Causing Incontinence in 32% of Women 55 to 64
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 18
Summary
32% of women ages 55 to 64 who never gave birth experienced urinary incontinence in one large study, underscoring experts’ warning that pelvic floor weakness rises with age in both women and men.
6 common signs include urine leakage, inability to stop urine flow, poor gas or bowel control, a pelvic bulge from prolapse, painful or difficult sex, and pelvic or lower-back pain.
8-second Kegels, done regularly, have top-level evidence for improving pelvic floor dysfunction; experts also recommend strength training, reflex retraining such as “squeeze before you sneeze,” and avoiding constipation and forceful urination.
4 to 6 weeks of consistent pelvic floor therapy can bring improvement, but specialists say symptoms can return if exercises stop and some cases need professional diagnosis to rule out bladder or prostate problems.