Urinary incontinence, urine leaking, losing bladder control, is a common and often embarrassing problem. The severity ranges from the occasional loss of urine when coughing or sneezing to the urge to urinate that is so sudden and strong that you don't make it to the bathroom in time.
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine. It means that a person urinates when he does not want to. Control over the urinary sphincter is lost or weakened. Urinary incontinence is a common problem that affects many people. As you age, the muscles that support your bladder weaken, which can lead to urinary incontinence. Many health problems can also cause the condition. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can be a sign of cancer, kidney stones, infection, or an enlarged prostate.
Urinary incontinence occurs more often in women than in men. It is believed that 30 percent of women between the ages of 30 and 60 have it, compared to 1.5-5 percent of men.
Pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause can contribute to urinary incontinence in women. Weak bladder muscles, overactive bladder muscles, and nerve damage can also cause urinary incontinence in women.
Causes
The causes of incontinence are closely related:
Stress Incontinence
The factors include:
pregnancy and childbirth
menopause, as the drop in estrogen, can weaken muscles
During your appointment, your healthcare provider will probably ask you questions about your symptoms. They will probably want to know how long you have been incontinent, what types of incontinence you have experienced, and other details. They may also ask you about your daily habits, including your typical diet and any medications or supplements you take.
Based on your symptoms and medical history, your healthcare provider may order additional tests, including:
Physical Exam
The doctor may examine the vagina and check the strength of the pelvic floor muscles. They can examine the rectum of a male patient to determine if the prostate gland is enlarged
Urinalysis
Tests are done to look for signs of infection and abnormalities.
A blood test
A blood test can assess kidney function
Post-void residual measurement (PVR)
Assesses the amount of urine left in the bladder after urinating.
Pelvic Ultrasound
Provides an image and can help detect any abnormalities.
Stress Test
The patient will be asked to apply sudden pressure while the doctor checks for urine leakage.
Urodynamic Test
Determines how much pressure the bladder and urinary sphincter can withstand.
Cystogram
An x-ray procedure provides a picture of the bladder.
Cystoscopy
A thin tube with a lens on the end is inserted into the urethra. The doctor can see any abnormalities in the urinary tract.
Treatment
There are many treatment options available. Your healthcare provider can discuss the approaches that may work for you and your lifestyle.
Behavior Modification Therapy
Your provider can suggest techniques for you to adopt. These may include limiting the amount of fluid you drink, eliminating caffeine (which can irritate your bladder), or learning to hold your urine longer.
Physical Therapy or Exercises
Strengthen the pelvic floor, which is the group of muscles that help control the flow of urine.
Vaginal Insert (pessary)
These removable vaginal inserts, intended to support the urethra, can help prevent stress incontinence.
Medications
Some block chemical messages in the nerves around the bladder which relax the bladder muscles to increase the capacity of the bladder.
Medication Injections
Certain substances can thicken the wall of the urethra to make it seal more tightly to prevent urine from leaking.
Botox
For women who have not received help with other injections, Botox injections can relax overactive bladder muscles. The benefits can last for several months. The injections may need to be repeated once or twice a year.
InterStim Therapy
A small device, the size of a stopwatch, is implanted under the skin of the hip. It sends mild electrical impulses to the nerve that controls the muscles of the bladder.
Sling Procedures
During this minimally invasive surgery, your provider places a sling made of synthetic or natural material around the urethra to support it, which helps prevent stress incontinence.
When to see a Doctor?
Incontinence can be a major disorder in your life. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis and discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider.
In certain circumstances, incontinence is a symptom of a medical emergency, When you lose control of your bladder and have any of the following symptoms, you may get urgent medical attention:
trouble talking or walking
weakness or tingling anywhere in your body
vision loss
confusion
loss of consciousness
loss of bowel control
Prevention
Urinary incontinence cannot always be prevented. However, to help lower your risk:
Maintain a healthy weight
Practice pelvic floor exercises
Avoid bladder irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, and acidic foods
Get more fiber, which can prevent constipation, a cause of urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence is usually caused by problems with the muscles and nerves that help the bladder hold or urinate.
2. Can urine leakage be cured?
Urinary incontinence is more common in older people, especially women. Incontinence can often be cured or controlled.
3. What drinks are good for incontinence?
Look for flavored water or try coconut water. Decaf tea and coffee can be taken in small doses. Also, even a non-citrus drink, like apple juice, can be enjoyed.
4. Which does Vitamin Help With Bladder Control?
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased urination. Therefore, getting enough vitamin D can be protective.
