Younger women go into depression due to incontinence

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have found that middle-aged women are more likely to suffer depression from a common medical problem that they find too embarrassing to talk about - urinary incontinence.

However, help is available for women if they seek medical advice, researchers said.

In a study of the experiences of women with urinary incontinence, researcher Jodie Avery found that middle-aged women with incontinence (aged 43-65) were more likely to be depressed than older women (aged 65-89).

Speaking in the lead up to World Continence Week (24-30 June), Avery said that the younger women's self esteem is often hit hard by urinary incontinence, while older women tend to be more resilient and accepting of their condition.

Urinary incontinence affects approximately 35 percent of the female population.

The main cause in women is pregnancy, with the number of children they have increasing their chances of becoming incontinent.