Don’t Let April Showers Catch You Off Guard

Tips for Dealing with Urinary Incontinence

Why did the bladder cross the road? To get to the bathroom on the other side – and quickly! All jokes aside, if your bladder is running the show, it’s time to take control. Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine, and it can occur in people of any age, although it is more common in older adults. This condition can be embarrassing, uncomfortable and inconvenient. But it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom! In fact, there are plenty of ways to manage this condition and be able to live your life to the fullest. 

Types of Urinary Incontinence

Stress incontinence: This occurs when there is pressure on the bladder, causing leakage of urine. This is commonly caused by physical activity such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting heavy objects.

Urge incontinence: This occurs when the bladder contracts suddenly, causing a strong urge to urinate. People with urge incontinence often have to urinate frequently, including at night.

Overflow incontinence: This occurs when the bladder is not emptied completely, leading to the overflow of urine. This type of incontinence is more common in men with prostate problems.

Functional incontinence: This occurs when a person is unable to get to the bathroom in time due to physical or mental limitations such as mobility issues, dementia, or other medical conditions.

Causes of Urinary Incontinence

Age: As people get older, the muscles that control the bladder weaken, increasing the risk of urological conditions.

Pregnancy, Childbirth & Hormonal Changes: These events can stretch and weaken the muscles of the pelvic floor, leading to stress incontinence. Women can experience urinary incontinence due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause.

Prostate problems: In men, an enlarged prostate can cause urinary incontinence.

Neurological disorders: Diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injuries can interfere with the nerve signals that control the bladder, leading to incontinence.

Medications: Certain medications, such as diuretics, sedatives, and muscle relaxants, can cause urinary incontinence.

Treatment Options for Urinary Incontinence

Pelvic floor exercises: These exercises, also known as Kegels, can help strengthen the muscles that control the bladder and improve bladder control.

Bladder training: This involves scheduling regular bathroom breaks and gradually increasing the time between them to improve bladder control.

Medications: There are several medications available that can help manage urge incontinence.

Medical devices: Devices such as pessaries and urethral inserts can help support the bladder and reduce incontinence.

Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying condition causing urinary incontinence.

Urinary incontinence is a common condition that can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, don’t hesitate to speak with your healthcare provider here at Burnett Medical Center.

For more information on managing this and other urological conditions, visit the Urology Care Foundation. With the right treatment and support, you can manage your symptoms and get back to living your best life.