What is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control, different from a slight loss of urine after coughing, laughing, or sneezing, to complete helplessness to control urination.
It can have causes that aren't due to underlying disease for example unavailability of bathrooms, sneezing, extreme anxiety, coughing, or extreme laughing.
However it occurs more frequently in old age, urinary incontinence isn't an unavoidable outcome of aging.
if your daily activities are affected due to urinary incontinence don't delay seeing your doctor. For many people, medication or simple lifestyle changes can relieve pain or stop urinary incontinence.
What are the types of Urinary Incontinence?
Urge incontinence: you have an unexpected, extreme urge to urinate followed by a compulsory loss of urine. You will feel the urge to urinate most frequently, including during the night.
Urge incontinence can be caused due to small conditions, such as diabetes, infection, or a more serious condition such as neurological disorder.
Stress incontinence: when you apply pressure on your bladder by exercising or lifting something heavy, laughing, coughing, or sneezing, urine leaks are known as stress incontinence.
Functional incontinence: It occurs when the person's bowel or bladder is working properly but they are unable to go to the toilet in time due to physical or mental impairment.
Mixed incontinence: Mixed incontinence is a combination of urge and stress incontinence. It has symptoms of both.
Overflow incontinence: Overflow incontinence takes place when you are not able to empty your bladder.
When will one need to consult a doctor?
You might not feel comfortable while discussing incontinence with your doctor.
But if incontinence is impacting your daily life it's essential to seek medical advice because urinary continence may-
Increase the risk of falls in older people as they rush to the toilet
Indicate a more severe underlying condition
Cause you to limit social interactions and restrict your activities
What are the symptoms of Urinary Incontinence?
A small amount of urine leakage occasionally is observed. In some cases, loss of small to medium quantities of urine all the time is seen.
What are the complications associated with Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary tract infections: The risk of urinary tract infections is increased due to urinary continence
Skin problems: Continuous wet skin due to urinary continence can cause skin infections, rashes, and sores
Impacts on your personal life: Your relationships and social work are impacted due to urinary incontinence
What are the methods for preventing Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary continence is not always preventable, although its risk can be reduced by
Eating more fiber-rich food which can prevent constipation, a cause of urinary continence
Maintaining a healthy weight
Stop smoking and seek help to quit smoking
Practice pelvic floor exercises
Avoid bladder irritants, such as alcohol, acidic foods, and caffeine
