Urinary Incontinence - Symptoms, Risk factors and Treatment

Urinary incontinence is a condition in which a person leaks out urine involuntarily. Mostly it happens while they are rushing towards the toilet. People often think that urinary incontinence is a problem associated with older age. But it can occur at a young age as well. 

Urinary incontinence affects millions of people worldwide, and in most cases, it is a treatable condition. It may affect people socially, psychologically, and emotionally. They may become afraid of going out of their homes or sitting far from the toilet. They will always prefer to remain close to the toilet.

People suffering from urinary incontinence often feel embarrassed to talk about it. However, talking and consultation with the doctor helps in getting out of this problem. Mostly it affects pregnant women or those who are reaching menopause, due to decreased levels of estrogen in the body. Also, men having problems with the prostate are at risk of getting urinary incontinence. It may also happen due to some medications and conditions like diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, and smoking cigarettes.  

Types 

The types of urinary incontinence can be mentioned as follows.

Stress incontinence

Stress incontinence is the unintentional leaking of urine when the muscles of your bladder are under stress, usually when you laugh or cough.

Urge incontinence

An urgent feeling to urinate followed by involuntary leakage of urine. It usually happens due to infections or some neurological problems. You may also feel the need to urinate more often.

Overflow incontinence

In this type of urinary incontinence, you may have a sensation of dribbling urine even after passing it. The urinary bladder may not empty completely. Due to which it may also take longer for you to urinate. 

Functional incontinence 

It is the one that happens due to mental or physical impairment. Like if you have arthritis or osteoporosis, it may take longer for you to reach the toilet, eventually resulting in leakage. To cope with it, you must go to the toilet as soon as you feel the need. You must not wait in doing that. 

Mixed incontinence 

Mixed incontinence includes more than one type of urinary incontinence. 

Treatment 

The treatment of urinary incontinence may vary according to the cause. Sometimes it may occur due to bacteria urinary tract infections. Therefore it may resolve as soon a the infection is treated, Moreover, it may occur due to vaginal infection. Urinary incontinence that is accompanied by vaginal itchiness and irritation can be treated if the vaginal infection is treated. When it occurs due to the inability of the muscles of the bladder to hold, your healthcare provider may ask you to perform pelvic floor exercises. They may help you in getting rid of it and in making your sphincter muscles stronger that can hold urine. 

Along with that, many devices can hold urine and save you from embarrassment. 

Some of the major treatment options for urinary incontinence are as follows. 

• Using indwelling catheters 
• Using Texas catheters or condoms for men that collect external urine 
• Using urine drainage bag that collects the urine
• Using intermittent catheterization
• Using absorbent products like liners, pads, or adult diapers that collect the urine.

Using portable commodes or toilets that are readily available. There are also bedside commodes available that help you to pass urine urgently and saves from leakage.

Urinals and bedpans if the patient is unable to move fast or can not get out of bed. 

Conclusion

Urinary incontinence is the urgency to urinate, otherwise, you may leak out some drops of it. People suffering from it feel embarrassed and often socially distance themselves. The most important thing with urinary incontinence is talking about it and reaching out. You must consult with the best urologist if you have the same complaint. Mostly it occurs due to a treatable condition. Also, the healthcare providers can pave out the way for you to cope with it.