Loss of bladder control--- or urinary incontinence -- can be an embarrassing condition, but it’s also very common.
Whether you occasionally leak urine when you exert pressure on the bladder (think: sneezing or coughing), or you’re worried you won’t make it to the bathroom in time, urinary incontinence can affect every aspect of your life.
This condition can come with aging but, happily, it isn’t a foregone conclusion. And many people experience occasional, minor ‘leaks’ that don’t cause discomfort or interfere with day-to-day life.
But small to medium leaks that happen more frequently can mean you’re experiencing symptoms of urinary incontinence.
If you’re having this problem, it’s important to understand the basics and learn about simple lifestyle changes and medical treatments that can alleviate discomfort and reduce or stop urinary incontinence.
The Basics
There are five types of urinary incontinence which include:
Stress incontinence. Leaks can happen when pressure is exerted on the bladder during activities like exercising, lifting heavy objects, sneezing, coughing, or laughing.
Overflow incontinence. When the bladder does not empty completely, some people experience a frequent or constant dribbling of urine.
Urge incontinence: This is characterized by a sudden, urgent need to go to the bathroom often followed by a small or copious amount of urine emptying from the bladder. You may find you need to urinate more often, even waking throughout the night to go to the toilet. Urge incontinence can result from minor conditions like an infection but can also be a sign of a more serious condition.
Functional incontinence. This type of incontinence is typically characterized by a secondary condition like arthritis or mental impairment which keeps you from getting to the bathroom in time. If, for example, you suffer from severe arthritis, you may struggle with buttons or zippers before you’re able to sit on the toilet in time.
Mixed incontinence. This type of incontinence is characterized by a combination of any of the above types of incontinence.
Causes
Many people mistakenly think that urinary incontinence is itself a disease. Rather, it is a symptom and can be caused by any number of factors including everyday habits, as well as underlying medical or physical issues.
Urinary incontinence can be temporary, or it can be a persistent problem.
Temporary Incontinence
As you probably already know, some foods and beverages can act as diuretics. They stimulate the bladder and may also increase urine output, causing temporary incontinence.
Examples of these types of foods and drinks include:
Caffeine
Alcohol
Chili peppers
Chocolate
Sparkling water and other carbonated drinks
Citrus fruits
Medications like heart and blood pressure drugs
Other conditions can cause temporary incontinence like urinary tract infections, and constipation.
In the former case, the bladder is irritated by the infection which can cause a strong urge to urinate, and in the latter, hard, compacted stool in the rectum can cause shared bladder nerves to be overactive, which results in a need to urinate more frequently.
Persistent Incontinence
Urinary incontinence can be the result of persistent conditions like pregnancy, menopause, an enlarged prostate, or neurological disorders, among others.
Examples of persistent conditions include:
Pregnancy and childbirth. Hormonal changes can cause incontinence, along with additional pressure on the bladder that comes as the fetus grows in size and weight. Vaginal delivery can result in damaged nerves and supportive tissues, and weakened muscles, all of which can cause a prolapsed pelvic floor.
Menopause. A post-menopausal woman produces less estrogen, a hormone that helps keep the lining of the urethra and bladder healthy, and if these tissues deteriorate, it can result in incontinence.
Enlarged Prostate and Prostate Cancer. A condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement of the prostate gland) can cause incontinence (especially in older men), and urinary incontinence can also be a symptom of undiagnosed, untreated prostate cancer. And often, it is the treatment of the prostate cancer itself that causes incontinence.
Neurological Disorders. Any condition that interferes with nerve signals involved in bladder control can cause incontinence; conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, brain tumors, and multiple sclerosis.
When to See Your Doctor
If you suspect a more serious underlying problem, or when symptoms negatively impact your day-to-day activities, it’s advisable to consult with your physician. Your urologist can provide you with information on lifestyle changes and medical treatments to help alleviate this condition.
The urologists at Norman Urology can help you manage your symptoms and walk you through the treatments that will be most effective for you.
If you’re experiencing urinary incontinence, why not schedule an appointment with us today?