Urine incontinence: Surprising statistics in Belgium and the Netherlands

incontinentie statistieken

Urine incontinence, or unwanted urine loss, is a common condition that affects millions of people in Belgium and the Netherlands. Despite the openness that has grown in recent years, it remains a problem that many people are ashamed of.

General statistics:

  • Urine incontinence affects around 423 million people around the world (20 years or older)
  • A study from 2015-2018 showed that 61.8% of women had to deal with urinary incontinence
  • From 2018, urine incontinence in women has increased by 12% since 2004.
  • If you are a woman over 60, you can be one of the 9-39% women who suffer from urinary incontinence every day.
  • In men over 40, about 17% suffer from urinary incontinence.
  • 34% of older men suffer from urinary incontinence
  • 11% of older men suffer from urinary incontinence every day
  • In nursing homes, 53% of the elderly suffer from incontinence
  • Exercise incontinence occurs in 24-45% of women older than 30 years.
  • In adults older than 75, urge incontinence occurs in 31% of women and 42% of men.
  • 5% of people with chronic incontinence suffer from urinary incontinence.

How many people have to deal with it in Belgium and the Netherlands?

The statistics on urinary incontinence are amazing:

Belgium:

About 1 in 10 adults experiences urine incontinence. 
The prevalence increases with age:

  • 18-44 years: 7.7%
  • 45-64 years: 20.5%
  • 65+ years: 35.5%

Women are hit twice as more than men. 

The Netherlands:

An estimated 1 million people in the Netherlands suffer from urinary incontinence. The prevalence is similar to that in Belgium:

  • 18-64 years: 10-25%
  • 65+ years:> 35%

Here too, women are more often the victims: they form two thirds of the total group. 

      Different types and causes:

        There are different types of urinary incontinence, each with its own causes:

        • Stress incontinence: loss of urine for pressure -increasing activities such as coughing, sneezing or lifting (most common)
        • Urge incontinence: sudden, strong urge to pee, with or without loss of urine
        • Overflow incontinence: inability to completely empty the bladder, leading to frequent dripping
        • Functional incontinence: loss of urine due to an underlying condition such as dementia or Parkinson's

        The causes of urinary incontinence are diverse and may have to do with:

        • Weakening of the pelvic floor muscles
        • Damage to the bladder or urinary tract
        • Prostate problems in men
        • Overweight
        • Pregnancy and delivery
        • Neurological disorders
        • Diabetes
        • Side effects of medication
        When can urine incontinence occur?

        If you suffer from urinary incontinence, you are probably worried about when it can occur. Almost half of the women who experience incontinence fear that the symptoms worsen as they get older.

        According to a report from the University of Michigan, there are four important situations in which urinary incontinence can occur in women between 50 and 80 years old. Women who experience urinary incontinence often notice this during:

        • Sneezing or coughing - 79%
        • Try to go to the toilet - 64%
        • Laughing - 49%
        • Move - 37%

        For most of these women (41%) this is a major or somewhat problem, and 31% of women in this study suffer from urinary incontinence every day.

        According to the report, only 34% of women spoke with their doctor about possible solutions for urinary incontinence. Most women avoid this conversation out of shame, while 22% of them do not even consider urinary incontinence as a health problem.

        How can you prevent urine incontinence?

        Avoiding it is possible by undertaking certain daily activities. However, urine incontinence can sometimes not be prevented if there is a medical condition that causes problems in the brain or body.

        To prevent urinary incontinence with the help of daily activities, the Mayo Clinic advises the following:

        • Perform pelvic floor exercises regularly.
        • Keep your weight under control (striving for a BMI under 25).
        • Eating more fiber -rich food - constipation can cause urine incontinence and fibers help prevent this.
        • Avoid smoking or stop.
        • Eat less sour or spicy food.
        • Consuming less caffeine and alcohol.

        Healthy eating plays an important role in preventing urinary incontinence, because it can prevent obesity and diabetes. However, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), there is no direct evidence that demonstrates that healthy diet improves or worsens urine incontinence.

        Adjusting your toilet habits can also offer lighting with urine incontinence. The Niddk notes that the cessation of urine can burden your bladder muscles, which can lead to wear over time. Holding urine can also increase the risk of bladder infection, which can also cause urinary incontinence.

        An underestimated problem with great impact:

        Urine incontinence can have a significant impact on the quality of life. Shame, social isolation and depression are common consequences. The costs for health care are also considerable: in Belgium more than € 1 billion a year. (https://www.uzgent.be/urologie)

        Breaking a taboo:

        It is time to break the taboo around urinary incontinence. Don't be shy anymore, because you're not alone! By talking openly about the condition, we can inform more people and have the help they need achieved.

        Together stronger:

        Together we can discuss urine incontinence and improve the quality of life of millions of people. Share this blog, talk about it with your family and friends, and contact your doctor if you suffer from urinary incontinence. There is no shame in searching for help, and there are solutions available!

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