Are you experiencing incontinence at a young age? Are you confused about what’s happening to your body? Do you feel too embarrassed to talk about bladder control or to seek help? Or perhaps you simply don’t know where to start? If so, you aren’t alone. 

According to the 2023 State of the Period survey results, over 25% of respondents aged 20-29 said they miss out on their regular activities because of shame related to urinary incontinence. And it’s not just young adults. It’s adolescents, too. Those who struggle with incontinence at a young age, ages 11 to 19, are at a higher risk of underachieving in high school and college. 

Incontinence refers to the loss of bladder and bowel control that results in an involuntary leakage of urine or feces. This bladder muscle issue is mostly thought to affect people fifty years and older or sometimes postpartum, but it can affect people of any age. It can be caused by things like disabilities, medical conditions, urinary tract infections, weak pelvic floor muscles, stress, and an overactive bladder. 

It’s past time to recognize that incontinence affects younger adults and youth too, in order to empower them to feel confident and informed to take the steps necessary to manage both their physical symptoms and take care of their emotional well-being. 

Young people already face so many pressures — from school, to sex and relationships, to expectations from family and friends – they don’t need to feel the weight of the stigma that surrounds incontinence, too. 

So, let’s normalize conversations around bladder control and urinary problems at all ages, and ensure that younger adults and youth have access to the resources they need to manage their symptoms – including access to bathrooms and incontinence products – as well as medical support. 

Check out our educational video hub on YouTube to learn more from experts like Dr. Bala, a Naturopathic Doctor and Thinx Partner specializing in women's hormonal health, and join our mission to empower all who pee and bleed with shame-free body literacy education. 

The information contained in this article should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your health care professional.

sources:

https://aeroflowurology.com/blog/how-to-help-teens-with-incontinence 

https://www.self.com/story/urinary-incontinence-causes-by-age-group

by Team Thinx