Which of the following are risk factors for urinary incontinence in midlife women?

• A. Age, obesity, parity.
• B. Young age, underweight, nulliparity.
• C. Regular exercise, high fiber diet.
• D. Postmenopausal hormone therapy.

Answer: (A)

Midlife urinary incontinence is more likely when pelvic floor support and urethral closure are weakened. Age brings natural changes in pelvic tissues and muscle strength that can reduce support for the bladder and worsen leakage with stress or urge. Obesity raises intra-abdominal pressure, making leakage more likely with coughing, sneezing, or exertion. Parity, meaning having given birth—especially vaginal delivery—can stretch or injure pelvic floor muscles and supporting structures, increasing the risk of incontinence later on.

These three factors—age, higher body weight, and childbirth history—fit the typical risk pattern in midlife. Being younger or underweight doesn’t raise risk in the same way. Regular exercise and a high-fiber diet are generally good for pelvic and bowel health and aren’t considered risk factors. Postmenopausal hormone therapy is used to treat some menopausal symptoms and isn’t a known baseline risk factor for developing urinary incontinence.