Incontinência urinária na mulher idosa: impacto e qualidade de vida

Abstract

Urinary incontinency has been a problem and a challenge for women's health. It affects their quality of life, emotional and psychological aspects . Ageing is a determinant factor because of its influence on the physiological structure, relaxing muscles and tissues of the pelvic region, contributing to urinary incontinence to establish or aggravating, as the women get older. Women have an anatomical structure which facilitates urinary incontinence, and it is aggravated by estrogen decay, deliveries and gynecological surgeries which are predisposing factors to the condition, in addition, modern women drug abuse (tobacco and alcohol) as much as men. Many women hide their condition from the family, socially isolating themselves due to embarrassment or fear of having a public episode of urine loss, and even not seeking help. Research results point out the need of implementing a varied of educative and treatment initiatives, and stimulating searching of information. Modern Physiotherapy has an important role in managing the rehabilitation of elderly patients with urinary incontinence, throughout diversified techniques and effective participation in rehabilitation teams. Physiotherapy interventions require a complete diagnose, examination and identification of the specific type of urinary incontinency.