Ladies, if you wondered if you were the only one who experienced urine leakage while sneezing or laughing, you’re not alone. Urinary incontinence affects one in three woman during some part of their lives. Just knowing that can prove comforting. It can also help you live a better life when your bladder leakage occurs. The following are ways to better understand the problem and treatment methods that can improve your condition.
What is it?
Urinary incontinence occurs when you lose control of your bladder. Whether it’s due to menopause and pregnancy or a medical condition and strenuous activity, there are five common types. Although it can be embarrassing, especially if your symptoms are severe, a large number of woman suffer from the issue. Urine leaking is just one of the problems. You may also have a strong urge to go and getting to the bathroom in time to urinate can be challenging. Speaking to your physician about your symptoms can rule out certain medical infections or diseases. A simple lifestyle change or treatment plan can help put an end to the incontinence or relieve the discomfort.
Stress incontinence
Stress incontinence is caused by sudden stomach pressure in relation to coughing, lifting or laughing. Certain exercises can also be at the root of the urine leaks. Whether the pelvic muscles have become weakened through surgery or childbirth, stress incontinence is quite common. Treatment methods are dependent on the physician and severity of the patient’s condition. Conservative methods include less invasive options such as wearing pads that are absorbent. Lifestyle changes that include reducing caffeine, weight loss and avoiding certain strenuous exercises may also be recommended. Kegel muscles where the pelvic muscles are flexed can also be beneficial. Patients may undergo surgery by way of bladder sling. Using material constructed from the tissue of the patient or synthetic mesh, the sling is attached under the urethra and anchored in place. Although the transvaginal mesh devices are common, they have been linked to various complications. Infection, inflammation, internal bleeding and erosion are several examples and have resulted in drug lawsuits against the manufacturer.
Urge incontinence
Urge incontinence happens when a person has to urinate right away and often before they can reach the bathroom. Your body may alert you just a few moments before urination. Most common in elderly individuals, it could be a sign of an overactive bladder, stones or a bladder infection. If the urge to urinate gets in the way of your daily activities, you want to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Treatment methods can vary and include Kegel exercises, dietary changes and medication. A pessary or urethra insert can also help reduce your urine leakage.
Overflow Incontinence
Overflow incontinence is uncontrollable and causes small amount of urine to leak during the day or at night when you sleep. You may not have the sense that your bladder is full or you’ve lost the ability to empty your bladder fully. Found to be more common in men than women, causes can include a tumor or an enlarged prostate that blocks the flow of urine. Certain medications or diabetes are other causes.
Medication, a catheter and surgery are recommended treatment methods for the problem.
Functional Incontinence
Functional incontinence occurs when your urine control is normal, but you’re unable to get to the toilet in time. Arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or other types of ailments may make it challenging for a patient to move or get around. Doctor’s typically treat the condition that may contribute to the problem. Patients can also make changes to their home environment such as clearing the route to the bathroom or wearing clothing that is easy to remove.
Mixed Incontinence
Mixed incontinence is a bothersome problem because in order for the treatment to become a success, they have to find a way for both urge and stress factors to respond to therapy. Usually one type of incontinence dominates the other.