Highlighting Women's Bladder Health: Overlooked Issues and Pathways to Improvement

APRIL 29, 2019

Shining a Spotlight on Women's Bladder Health

By Ansley Waters, SWHR Science Programs Intern

Women and girls experience disproportionately high rates of bladder health issues like urinary incontinence and urinary tract infections UTIs, which significantly impact their dly lives. Unfortunately, many women refrn from discussing these conditions with healthcare providers due to a lack of awareness and societal stigma surrounding bladder issues.

Bladder health across the lifespan of women is an integral yet often overlooked aspect of women's health. To address this gap and uncover knowledge gaps and barriers to treatment and care for various urological conditions that predominantly affect or differently impact women, SWHR convened an Interdisciplinary Network on Urological Health in Women.

For instance, urinary tract infections are more common among women than men, with over half of women experiencing at least one UTI during their lifetime. Urinary incontinence UI disproportionately affects women compared to men; it typically peaks during menopause but also affects approximately a quarter of women aged 18-44 years old. Cytocele, or prolapsed bladder, is a condition exclusive to women caused by the weakening of the pelvic floor.

Prevention through healthy habits such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and adequate water intake constitutes the optimal strategy agnst bladder issues. SWHR's Network on Urological Health in Women also advocates for increased education about bladder health, especially targeting students and teachers since bladder problems diagnosed during childhood may persist into adulthood, affecting their quality of life.

To explore current bladder health education and bathroom policies in schools, SWHR recently surveyed school nurses on these topics. Just under 8 of the respondents reported that their schools have a written policy regarding student bathroom usage; more than one-third stated that students had insufficient time to use the restroom during breaks. Additionally, three-quarters were aware of students with bladder or bowel problems.

Implementing policies and education in schools to promote healthy toileting habits is crucial for children's bladder health. Holding urine during school hours may lead to an increased risk of UTIs, pelvic muscle weakening, and leakage that can result in future health concerns.

Healthcare provider vigilance and early diagnosis are equally essential components of bladder health care. The Chr and Co-Chr of SWHR’s Network on Urological Health, Drs. Elizabeth Mueller and Margot Damaser, recommed the annual well-woman visit as an excellent opportunity for healthcare providers to assess patients for potential bladder issues. In assessing patients, providers must be aware of and account for sex differences in bladder health.

SWHR’s Network on Urological Health has highlighted these differences and emphasized the importance of understanding biological sex's role in normal and abnormal urological function through a recently published peer-reviewed paper. The paper underscores evidence of clear sex differences in the lower urinary tract, including variations in cellular composition, hormones, musculature, and microbiomes, demonstrating how sex is an underlying risk factor for certn bladder disorders.

To learn more about SWHR's efforts to improve urological health awareness among women, visit our website at SWHR website.

SWHR will recognize the achievements of a VA executive, neuroscience researcher, and former Board Chr at its Annual Awards Dinner. We celebrate milestones in women’s health research and advocacy.

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