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Page: << Prev | 1 | 2 Overall, the researchers found that 23.7 percent of women experienced at least one pelvic floor disorder. Almost 16 percent of the women reported urinary incontinence, 9 percent experienced fecal incontinence, and 2.9 percent reported pelvic organ prolapse.
Nygaard pointed out that this study looked at moderate to severe incontinence. She said it's quite common for women to leak small amounts of urine while laughing or sneezing, but that's not what was studied here.
Older women were most likely to report a pelvic floor disorder, with almost 50 percent of those 80 and older reporting at least one pelvic floor disorder, compared to just 10 percent of women between 20 and 39 years old.
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Having been pregnant increased the odds of pelvic floor disorders, and, with each pregnancy, the likelihood of incontinence or prolapse rose. Being overweight or obese also increased the risk of pelvic floor disorders, according to the study.
Both Nygaard and Nitti said that effective treatments are available for women with pelvic floor disorders. Nygaard recommended that women start with the most conservative treatment options, such as pelvic muscle strengthening and behavioral therapy. Surgery, which can be effective for certain problems, is usually reserved as a last option, she said.
"The most important thing women need to realize is that they're not alone. Pelvic floor disorders aren't dangerous and are treatable," said Nygaard.
Nitti added: "If you have any symptoms related to any of these problems, and they bother you, you shouldn't be embarrassed to bring it to the attention of your health-care providers. All are, in one way or another, treatable, particularly at the early stages."
More information
Learn more about pelvic floor disorders from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
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