Urinary incontinence is an aggravating nuisance to many older women. According to the National Association for Continence--NAFC--as of 2011, urinary incontinence affects 200 million people worldwide and 25 million Americans, 75 to 80 percent of whom are women. NAFC says one-third of women age 45 to 64 experience symptoms.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is a symptom rather than a disease. The Mayo Clinic notes that everyday habits, underlying medical conditions, diet and physical problems can all cause incontinence. For example, a bladder infection can affect frequency and cause irritation as well as incontinence. Some medications such as muscle relaxants--the bladder is a muscle--may contribute to bladder control problems.
Menopause and Incontinence
As women age, the decrease in estrogen that accompanies menopause may allow tissues in the bladder and urethra to deteriorate and make incontinence worse. While pregnancy and childbirth may weaken the muscles needed for bladder control, even women who have never had a child can experience aging of the bladder muscle. The bladder may decrease in size, making it necessary to urinate more frequently. This overactive bladder syndrome is more likely in women who are obese, have blood vessel disease or smoke. Some foods or beverages such as caffeinated drinks, spicy foods and alcohol can contribute to the problem.
The Research
Researchers in Honolulu reported in the 1999 issue of "International Urogynecology Journal and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction" that women with urinary incontinence who decreased their caffeine intake had fewer episodes of incontinence. Amy Norton of "Reuters Health" interviewed Dr. Mary K. Townsend of Harvard University about the results of a research study that indicated high caffeine intake was more likely to result in urinary incontinence. According to Townsend, women with the highest intake--equivalent to four or more cups of coffee or 10 cans of caffeinated soda--were 19 percent more likely to develop frequent problems with bladder control. Data came from long-term studies of U.S. nurses who were between age 37 and 79 at the outset of the study. But a third study from Sweden reported by "Reuters Health" writer Leigh Krietsch Boerner found that coffee drinkers actually had a somewhat lower risk of urinary incontinence.
Considerations and Warnings
If you have urinary incontinence and drink or otherwise consume large amounts of caffeine, you might consider changing to decaf; many physicians do give that advice to their patients. Urinary incontinence can be a symptom of more serious conditions, such as bladder tumors, kidney stones or neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis. Consult with a health care professional if incontinence continues.
References
- National Association for Continence; Facts and Statistics; 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Urinary incontinence: Casues; Mayo Clinic Staff; June 2009
- "International Urogynecology Journal and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction"; Dietary Caffeine, Fluid Intake and Urinary Incontinence in Older Rural Women; B.U. Tomlinson, et al.; 1999
- "Reuters Health"; Very High Caffeine Intake Linked to Leaky Bladder; Amy Norton; April 8, 2011
- "Reuters Health"; Coffee, Tea May Not Affect Leaky Bladder Much; Leigh Krietsch Boerner; April 6, 2011
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