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Urinary incontinence means an
involuntary leaking of urine, which can happen at any time, not only
just after urination. Incontinence is a very common problem which affects mainly
women, though men can also be affected, especially if they have prostate
problems or infections.
Most incontinence sufferers are too embarrassed to
ask their doctor for advice, while others think that leaking a bit of
urine is a normal sign of aging. Research shows that a staggering 75 to
80 per cent of incontinence sufferers are not keen to discuss this problem with their
partner. Yes, their partner, let alone their doctor or nurse.
incontinence problem can affect people of any
age but it becomes more common after the age of 40. In women it may be
related to previous trauma to the urethra during pregnancy, or in both
men and women it may be due to infections or to urogenital aging - the
changes which accompany the menopause.
Traditionally, urinary incontinence has
been divided into three different forms:
1. Stress incontinence, the leaking of
urine during coughing, laughing, sneezing or jumping.
2. Urge incontinence, also called
'unstable bladder'. This is an urgent feeling of wanting to go to the
toilet without managing it in time, with loss of urine on the way there.
This is due to a disturbance of the nerve signals which tell the bladder
when to empty.
3. Dribble incontinence, which is when
the bladder doesn't empty completely and the leftover urine leaks
afterwards (leaking only one or two drops after urination isn't usually
a cause for concern). Dribble incontinence may happen when there is an
obstruction of the bladder such as an enlarged prostate, constipation or
a tumor.
These different types of incontinence
may co-exist, making it difficult to establish exactly which type the
patient suffers form.
Women who smoke are 30% more likely to
suffer from urinary incontinence than non-smokers. Also, smoker's cough
makes matters worse by putting pressure on the bladder and causing
leaking of urine.
Special easy to perform exercises may
be used in order to strengthen the muscles around the bladder. Bladder
training aims to increase the capacity of the bladder so that it can
hold more urine for longer. Time yourself and try, if you can, to empty
your bladder every four hours and not as soon as you feel the urge to
go.
The traditional advice to stop yourself
midstream and then start again has been criticized as interfering with
the normal emptying mechanisms of the bladder and is not recommended by
some authorities.
Prescription drugs for incontinence are
becoming more effective and have fewer side effects nowadays. The drugs
aim to improve the muscle strength of the bladder or to regulate the
nerves which tell the bladder when to empty. Injection of
collagen-supporting material into the muscles of the bladder has been
tried with some success and research of this technique is continuing.
Intermittent catheterization is a
special technique using a plastic urinary catheter which the patient
inserts in their urethra to drain the urine. This may be used a few
times a day. The catheter is removed each time.
As you can see, there are several
treatments for incontinence, but you must first see your doctor to
discuss which incontinence treatments is the best for you. Don't leave matters too late and
don't suffer incontinence in silence - it's completely unnecessary.
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