Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common issue affecting nearly 62% of women. Yet it is often overlooked, particularly in the workplace. UI, a condition characterized by the involuntary leakage of urine, can lead to significant negative impact on mental health, physical health, and the cost of healthcare to both the payer and the woman. The stigma associated with UI often prevents women from seeking help, leading to an additional profound impact on mental health and overall quality of life, and even to premature retirement. However, with the right tools and support, such as Flyte In-Home Pelvic Floor Treatment, women can treat UI effectively, thereby improving their workplace experience and avoiding an unwanted early retirement.
The Prevalence and Impact of Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence affects a reported 62% of women and is two-times as common in women than men. These bladder problems can result from various factors, including pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and aging. Urinary incontinence ranges from mild leakage to severe and frequent accidents, significantly disrupting daily activities and professional responsibilities. One study found after only 3 years of urinary incontinence, mobility and social interactions are significantly affected, especially among women.
In the workplace, UI can be particularly challenging. Women with UI may experience embarrassment and anxiety, leading to a decreased ability to concentrate and perform tasks efficiently. The fear of leakage during meetings, presentations, or other work-related activities can cause significant stress, reducing overall job satisfaction and productivity.
Most recently, a healthcare company found the top requested benefit employees are asking for is now menopause leave. In this 2022 survey, 4 out of every 10 women experiencing menopause symptoms had weekly interference with their work performance and productivity causing 17% to quit or consider quitting due to menopause symptoms.
Connection Between Urinary Incontinence and Mental Health
The psychological impact of urinary incontinence is profound. Urinary incontinence is linked to more than double the rate of severe depression and is in the top three conditions that most negatively affect quality of life, just behind stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. Many women with UI report feelings of shame, embarrassment, and low self-esteem. These feelings can lead to social isolation as women may avoid social interactions and work-related events to prevent accidents. In fact, UI is strongly linked to disability in social interaction and mobility within three years from diagnosis. Continued isolation from colleagues further exacerbates loneliness and disconnection from the workplace community and can lead to a decision to leave the workplace at the very time when a woman should be at her peak of productivity.
The loss of key personnel can have a huge impact on an organization, leading to significant financial and operational repercussions. When a critical employee leaves, the immediate costs include recruitment and training expenses for their replacement, which can often reach tens of thousands of dollars or one-third of that employee’s annual earnings. These financial strains are compounded by additional hidden company costs including a decrease in company productivity, decreased morale, and potential disruptions in company-client relationships.
Going back to the woman, the constant worry about leakage and the need for frequent bathroom breaks can also contribute to anxiety and depression. Studies have shown the strong correlation between UI and mental health issues, highlighting the need for comprehensive support systems in both personal and professional settings.
Connection Between Urinary Incontinence and Physical Health
In addition to its significant negative impact on mental health, UI impacts a woman’s physical health. For example, UI is linked to double the rate of urinary tract infections. UI also has an impact on longer term health, as one third of middle-aged women avoid exercise in an attempt to reduce leaks. The link of lack of exercise to poor metabolic and cardiovascular health is well studied.
With the impact on both mental and physical health, it is not surprising that the cost to the healthcare payer for a woman with UI is significantly greater than for a matched cohort without UI,
The Cost of Urinary Incontinence to the Healthcare Payer and to the Woman
The total average cost to the healthcare payer for women with urinary incontinence in a two-year period after diagnosis is 61% higher than women without incontinence ($27,446.50 vs $17,035.90). These costs are driven by frequent office visits, outpatient hospital visits (e.g. UI surgeries), inpatient hospital stays, and the increased prescription of antidepressants for women with UI vs women without UI (42.87% vs 28.62%).
The majority of women with stress or mixed urinary incontinence do not receive appropriate first-line treatment (e.g. Flyte, or pelvic floor muscle exercises and bladder training). The lack of treatment and non-compliance with treatment affects the cost burden on both payers and the woman.
Employed women are spending $15.4 billion more than men in out-of-pocket medical expenses and is not just related to maternity claims. Specific to stress urinary incontinence (SUI), an estimated 70% of conservative management of SUI in women are out-of-pocket expenses with an average cost of pads at $750/year. Women’s out-of-pocket costs are disproportionately higher than men’s for every age from 19 to 64, even when excluding maternity services.
The Role of Workplace Support
Creating a supportive workplace environment is crucial for women dealing with UI. Employers can play a significant role by fostering an inclusive culture that encourages open discussions about health issues, including urinary incontinence. Providing accessible restroom facilities, offering flexible work schedules with work from home options, and implementing wellness programs can help reduce the burden on affected employees.
Moreover, educating staff about UI and its impact can promote understanding and empathy, reducing stigma and enabling women to seek the help they need without fear of judgment. The sooner treatment starts for urinary incontinence, the better likeliness of the issue resolving quickly.
The Benefits of Using Flyte
Flyte is a revolutionary device designed to help women treat urinary incontinence efficiently and effectively. This clinically proven device treats urinary incontinence using a modality called mechanotherapy which stimulates cellular level changes in muscle tissue and the creation of long-term muscle memory . Here’s how Flyte can make a difference:
- Surgical Level Results: In clinical trials, 82% of users were leak-free after just 5 minutes of daily use for 6 weeks, with some women seeing improvements in just 2 weeks. This rapid improvement can significantly boost confidence and reduce the psychological burden of UI.
- Increased Effectiveness of Gold Standard Treatment: Flyte amplifies the effectiveness of the current conservative gold standard treatment (pelvic floor exercises) by 39 times, helping to strengthen the pelvic muscles more efficiently and with faster results.
- Ease of Use: Flyte is user-friendly, with more than 90% of users reporting it to be easy to use. This ease of use encourages consistent treatment, leading to better outcomes.
- Convenience: Flyte can be used at home, offering privacy and convenience. This is particularly beneficial for women with busy schedules who may find it challenging to attend regular pelvic floor physical therapy sessions.
- Includes Professional Support: While Flyte is highly effective on its own, Flyte offers complimentary support from pelvic floor physical therapists to answer questions and make sure you are on the right track.
Curious about the type of urinary incontinence you have? Take Flyte’s FREE Urinary Incontinence Quiz with results in less than 1 minute!
Avoiding Early Retirement
The impact of urinary incontinence on professional life can be overwhelming, sometimes leading women to consider early retirement. The constant stress and embarrassment associated with UI can make the workplace seem unbearable, driving some to leave their careers prematurely. However, with effective management strategies and treatment options like Flyte, women can regain control and continue to thrive in their professional roles.
By addressing the physical symptoms and reducing the psychological burden of UI, Flyte empowers women to stay active and engaged in their careers. This not only benefits the individuals but also retains valuable talent in the workforce, contributing to overall organizational success.
Encouraging a Holistic Approach
Treating urinary incontinence effectively may benefit from a holistic approach that enhances both physical and mental health. Alongside using Flyte, women should consider the following strategies:
- Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve overall health. With more than a one-third of women avoiding exercise to avoid leaking, treating urinary incontinence head-on while engaging in regular exercise is shown to have positive effects on mental health. Leaking with exercise? Check out How to stop leaking urine when running and 3 tips to reduce SUI leaks.
- Healthy Diet: Maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated can support bladder health and reduce the risk of incontinence. For more information on hydration and menopause, visit THE MENOPAUSE – INCONTINENCE LINK: MYTH OR FACT? and Sip smarter by learning to manage these 4 bladder irritants.
- Stress Management: Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can help manage stress and anxiety related to UI. For more information on the importance of treating sooner, click Why Treatment for Stress Incontinence in Females is Vital.
- Professional Support: Consulting with healthcare professionals, including pelvic floor therapists and mental health counselors, can provide comprehensive care and support. Talk with your healthcare provider for the best options for you. Questions for Flyte’s on-staff pelvic floor Doctors of Physical Therapy? Chat now.
- Open Communication: Encouraging open discussions about UI in the workplace can reduce stigma and promote a supportive environment for all employees.
Conclusion
Urinary incontinence is a significant issue that affects many women, particularly in the workplace. The connection between UI and mental health underscores the need for comprehensive treatment and management strategies that address both physical and psychological aspects of the condition. Flyte offers an effective solution, helping women treat UI more efficiently and effectively to help women achieve optimal productivity and work satisfaction and avoid early retirement.
By fostering a supportive workplace culture and encouraging education about effective conservative treatments like Flyte, we can empower women to overcome the challenges of urinary incontinence and continue to thrive in their professional lives. It’s time to break the silence and address this issue head-on, ensuring a healthier, happier, and more inclusive workplace for everyone.
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