Incontinence is often times considered a woman's condition because it can be fairly common in women particularly those who have been through the rigors of child birth. But now there appears to be another contributing factor to bladder problems in women and that is psychiatric trauma and mental disorders.
A study conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center compared 121 female veterans with lower urinary tract symptoms to a control group of nearly 1300 other women. The doctors evaluated the vets' medical history and also looked at their history of medical disorders and sexual trauma and the results were surprising.
Nearly 65% of the veterans who suffered from incontinence had a history of mental disorders compared to the control group which had less than 25%. The results for sexual trauma mimicked that of mental disorders. Almost half of the women in the test group reported some kind of sexual trauma as opposed to 20% in the control group.
In as much as the most common type of incontinence suffered by the veterans was urge or overactive bladder incontinence, there is some question if the mental disorders could in fact have caused the mixed nerve messages which cause the bladder to spasm. The study is ongoing and the truth as to the real cause of the incontinence is still uncertain. However it would appear that this particular bladder problem in women could be associated with emotional trauma.
This is the first time that medical professionals have looked at mental disorders and sexual trauma as a possible cause of incontinence. It's encouraging that research continues on this condition as bladder problems in women are most likely going to increase as the Baby Boomer generation ages and becomes more susceptible to incontinence. Hopefully this research will continue and lead to even more options for treatment.
Hillary Bowman - About the Author:
Dryforlife.co.uk has been providing discreet information regarding bladder problems in women for over 40 years. If you would like to learn more on this subject please visit us at http://incontinencehelp.dryforlife.co.uk/mental-health-related-to-bladder-problems-in-women/2009/12/15/
