What is urinary incontinence? 

Incontinence is a medical condition affecting control of your bladder, bowels, or both. It can be temporary, caused by alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine, or medications like muscle relaxants. Temporary incontinence can also be caused by a urinary tract infection or constipation. In some cases, urinary incontinence doesn’t simply go away after treating a medical condition or changing certain habits. This is because the condition is caused by an underlying physical condition that must be addressed by a doctor. 

Male, female, child and elderly incontinence do not all have the same causes. The amount of urine that leaks unintentionally varies as well. Based on the kind, frequency, and severity of the incontinence, a doctor can provide a more detailed diagnosis. You should see a doctor if you have bladder issues such as pee leaking or a “weak bladder.”

What are the symptoms of urinary incontinence?

The most frequent and tell-tale symptom is the unintended discharge of urine when laughing, coughing, sneezing, jumping, or exercising. This is a form of incontinence known as stress incontinence. Other types of incontinence may include symptoms such as a fast and intense urge to urinary or a bladder that doesn’t completely empty. Although uncommon in men, it is the most prevalent form in women.

What causes urinary incontinence? 

Persistent urinary incontinence is often caused when the muscles that control the bladder become weak. This is caused by pregnancy or childbirth for many women, but it can also increase as they age or experience menopause. 

Urge urinary incontinence refers to incontinence issues associated with a need to urinate quickly. Leakage can range from minor dribbles to substantial amounts. Small drips or a full bladder emptying are both acceptable levels of leaking. This sort of incontinence can be brought on by a variety of conditions, such as an enlarged prostate, a urinary tract infection, or even just excessive alcohol consumption. Therefore, in order to receive the best treatment, a precise diagnosis is crucial.

Urge urinary incontinence and stress urinary incontinence are combined to form mixed urinary incontinence. It implies that you can experience leaks related to both urgency and exertion.

When the bladder cannot entirely empty and gradually fills with leftover urine, overflow urinary incontinence ensues. An obstruction of the urethra, such as one caused by an enlarged prostate, is the most typical cause of this kind of issue.

Another factor that might be associated to, say, diabetes neuropathy, is a bladder muscle that is unable to contract to empty.

Damage to the brain, spinal cord, or nerves is the primary cause of neurological bladder disorder. Patients who experience injury from trauma, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease may develop neurological bladder disorders.

Involuntary pee leakage that occurs right after passing urine is known as post-micturition dribbling. It takes place because the urethra still contains urine. Men are more likely to have the issue, which can occasionally be avoided by pressing forward on the perineum to expel any residual pee. Women with weak urethral muscular support may also be affected.

If you have functional urinary incontinence, you cannot reach the restroom in time due to some sort of immobility. Impaired vision, lowered cognitive function and reduced mobility, can cause functional urinary incontinence.

Should I see a doctor about my urinary incontinence?

While many women make jokes about urinary incontinence, the condition can be difficult to talk about. Many are embarrassed or feel uncomfortable seeking treatment. However, it’s important to speak with a trusted physician if the condition is causing you to change your daily activities or limit your interaction with friends or family. Not only can a doctor help you feel better, but treatment can improve the quality of life, ensure you don’t have a more serious underlying medical condition, or, in the case of the elderly, prevent falls that occur when rushing to the restroom.