5 Key Reasons Explaining Latchkey Incontinence: Understanding the Causes

This experience is commonly known as latchkey incontinence, a subset of urge incontinence, and it's much more prevalent than you might think, especially in women above 40. Yet, despite its frequency, it is often overlooked and misunderstood. Let's break down this oddly named condition, its symptoms, causes, and how to spot it.

Understanding Latchkey Incontinence

Named after the scenario where you're just about to unlock your front door when you suddenly feel a pressing need to urinate, latchkey incontinence might seem like an occasional inconvenience at first. But it's more than that – it's a legitimate medical condition that needs addressing. The key to understanding latchkey incontinence is recognising it as a unique type of urinary incontinence.

Urinary incontinence, in general, is the involuntary loss of urine. There are several types, including stress incontinence (caused by physical exertion), overflow incontinence (due to bladder dysfunction), and functional incontinence (caused by cognitive impairment). Latchkey incontinence falls under the umbrella of urge incontinence, which is a sudden, intense urge to urinate, followed by an involuntary loss of urine.

Latchkey Incontinence: The Symptoms

As well as that pressing need to pee when you're reaching your front door, there are other lesser-known symptoms of latchkey incontinence that may have escaped your attention:

1. Increased Frequency: You may find yourself needing to urinate more frequently than normal, often more than 8 times in 24 hours.

2. Night-time Urgency: The call of nature may become particularly strong at night, waking you up several times to pee (known as nocturia).

3. Involuntary Leakage: Sometimes the urge can be so sudden and strong that it results in leakage before you can reach the toilet.

4. Triggers: Certain sounds, such as running water or the jingle of keys, may trigger an urge to urinate. This is called sensory urgency.

5. Incomplete Emptying: You may feel like your bladder is not completely empty even after urinating.

Unravelling the Causes of Latchkey Incontinence

Ageing

Ageing, a universal aspect of life, is a complex process associated with several biological transformations, one of which impacts our urinary health. Over the years, our bladder - once robust and flexible - can lose some of its elasticity. Consequently, its capacity to store urine diminishes, leading to an escalation in the urgency and frequency of urination. Essentially, the bladder feels 'full' sooner, prompting a premature urge to empty, even when it's not truly at its maximum capacity. These changes can lead to episodes of latchkey incontinence, particularly prevalent in individuals over 40.

Menopause

Menopause marks a significant life transition for women, bringing about a series of profound hormonal changes. One critical adjustment is a reduction in the production of estrogen, a hormone that maintains the health of the bladder and urethra's lining. With the decrease in estrogen following menopause, the structure and function of the urinary system can be affected, potentially triggering urinary incontinence. Hence, the decline in estrogen can turn the routine act of unlocking a door into an anxious rush to the bathroom.

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary Tract Infections, commonly known as UTIs, are bacterial incursions that can create significant irritation in the bladder. This discomfort can result in abrupt and strong urges to urinate, giving rise to conditions that mirror latchkey incontinence. Moreover, recurrent UTIs, often seen in postmenopausal women, can lead to persistent urinary incontinence if not managed effectively and promptly.

Neurological Disorders

Our nervous system, a sophisticated network of nerves and signals, plays a crucial role in maintaining bladder control. Neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or strokes, can disrupt the usual flow of these nerve signals, causing a miscommunication between the brain and bladder. This interruption can manifest as symptoms of urge incontinence, including the abrupt urge to urinate when reaching one's home - a typical sign of latchkey incontinence.

Bladder Abnormalities

Bladder abnormalities, such as bladder stones or inflammation, can trigger an unexpected alteration in urinary patterns. These internal complications can evoke a sense of urgency, increased frequency, and even pain during urination. Specific conditions, such as Interstitial Cystitis - a chronic inflammation of the bladder wall - can give rise to symptoms that mimic a urinary tract infection, including latchkey incontinence. If your urinary habits undergo a sudden change, it's worth remembering that it might not just be ageing or a simple UTI, warranting a detailed check-up.

Recognising and understanding latchkey incontinence is the first step towards managing it effectively. It’s more than just an inconvenient need to pee as you unlock your front door. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it's essential to discuss them with your healthcare provider. There are a variety of treatment options available, from lifestyle changes and pelvic floor exercises to medication and surgery.

Remember, incontinence is not an inevitable part of ageing or a problem you have to live with!

Jude’s Bladder Supplements contain pumpkin seed and soy germ, two natural ingredients clinically proven to help strengthen pelvic muscles and reduce symptoms of incontinence. Jude’s Bladder Strength Supplement formulation has been tested in a clinical trial with over 130 women, over the course of six weeks. At the end of the trial, 79% of study participants reported having fewer daily leaks, 70% reported having fewer night-time trips to the bathroom, and more than 80% said they noticed an overall improvement. Join over 40,000 women who have strengthened their bladder, regained confidence and are waking up less in the night.