Overview
Urinary incontinence results in the uncontrollable and continuous leakage of urine. There are various types of incontinence, such as:
- Stress incontinence develops when the urine leaks uncontrollably and the bladder is put under strain when sneezing or coughing.
- Urgency incontinence arises when you leak urine and then develop the urgent need to urinate soon after.
- Chronic urinary retention occurs when you cannot empty the bladder fully, which results in the uncontrollable leakage of urine.
- Total incontinence happens when the body cannot store urine, which results in the frequent passing of urine.
Aetiology
Stress urinary incontinence arises due to the gradual weakening or damage of the urethral sphincter and pelvic floor muscles. Urge incontinence occurs due to strain and overuse of the detrusor muscles responsible for bladder control.
Overflow incontinence arises due to obstruction of the bladder that prevents it from emptying completely. Total incontinence, another form of urinary incontinence, develops from an issue with the bladder present at the time of birth, a fistula or traumatic spinal injury.
Certain factors may increase the likelihood of urinary incontinence, such as:
- Certain factors may increase the likelihood of urinary incontinence, such as:
- Obesity
- A history of incontinence that runs in the family
- The natural ageing process
Treatment
Your doctor will suggest non-surgical interventions first to help improve the symptoms of urinary incontinence, such as:
- Healthy lifestyle changes: Reduce your intake of caffeine and alcohol significantly and implement exercise into your daily routine to help maintain a healthy, balanced weight.
- Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles: By exercising the pelvic floor continuously, you can help strengthen these muscles.
- Training the bladder helps reconfigure the bladder to pass urine at specific intervals.
When severe damage and debilitating symptoms of urinary incontinence are considered, the sling procedure is used to minimise pressure on the bladder and enhance the strength of muscles that regulate the bladder. Surgery to resolve urge incontinence entails increasing the size of the bladder or inserting a device that triggers the nerve responsible for the control of the detrusor muscles.
FAQ
With proper treatment, urinary incontinence can gradually improve, offering optimism and encouragement for those dealing with the condition.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are considered concerning urological symptoms?
- A weak urinary stream
- Signs of bladder stones
- Difficulty urinating
- Pain