Let’s Read More about Urinary Incontinence Treatment below!

Bladder control or urinary incontinence is a disorder that occurs when you have little or no control over your urinary sphincter. While some people with the disorder experience minor leakage, others lose complete control of their bladder.

A report from the UCF (Urology Care Foundation) shows that millions of Americans are experiencing this disorder. The report also pointed out that this disorder is more common in women than in men. The AUS (American Urological Association) estimates that 30% of women between the ages of 30 to 60 will suffer from it. This condition also affects men but it isn’t as common. Only 1% to 5% of men are thought to suffer from urinary incontinence.

Many health care practitioners have linked urinary incontinence to a range of health conditions. Studies have shown that it could also be a symptom of a kidney stone, enlarged prostate, or cancer.

Urinary Incontinence Types

According to the NHS (National Health Service of England), there are 4 main urinary incontinence types. Below is an overview of the 4 main urinary incontinence types you should know about:

Stress Incontinence: This is triggered when one engages in physical activities like jumping and running. It may also occur while you are laughing or coughing.

Overflow Incontinence: This is also known as chronic urinary retention. It occurs when you aren’t able to empty your bladder fully.

Total Incontinence: This is the inability of bladder control.

Urge Incontinence: This is when urine leakage shortly after experiencing a strong urge to urinate.

Each of the different urinary incontinence types will result in different urinary incontinence symptoms and result from one or more urinary incontinence causes!

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Urinary Incontinence

Below are some symptoms associated with urinary incontinence:

• Inability to hold urine after experiencing an urge to urinate
• Leaking while engaging in activities like jumping, running, or when working out
• Leaking even when you didn’t experience the urge to urinate
• Wetting your bed while sleeping
• Leaking before reaching the bathroom
• Leaking while engaging in sexual activities

Diagnosis of Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence diagnosis and treatment should be evaluated and treated with aid from your health care provider, they will ask a couple of questions about the symptoms you are experiencing and your daily habits. After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor may carry out the following tests:

Physical Examination: During the exam, your doctor will examine your genitals. If the patient is a male, they will examine the rectum to see if the prostate gland is normal or has enlarged. For women, the strength of the pelvic floor muscles is closely examined.

Blood Test: This is done to determine if the kidney is functioning properly.

Bladder Diary: Here, a patient will record their water intake, the time they urinate, the number of times they experience incontinence, and the amount of urine produced.

Pelvic Ultrasound: This is done to check if there is anything out of place in the pelvic region.

PVR (Post-Void Residual) Urine Test: This helps to determine the amount of urine left in the bladder after urinating.

Urinary Incontinence Treatment Options For You – How to Treat Urinary Incontinence

There are several Urinary incontinence treatment options available for you! Before recommending any of them, the doctor will carefully consider factors like the mental state, age, and the type of urinary incontinence the patient has.

• Medications: Your doctor may recommend the following medication to help treat the condition.
• Imipramine: This is an anti-depressant that can improve bladder control.
• Anticholinergics: These medications help to block a neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine. They are recommended because they can help address overactive bladder and urinary incontinence.
• Bladder Training: These are a series of activities that help patients gain more control over their bladder.
• Double Voiding: Here, a patient will be asked to urinate and wait for a few minutes before urinating again.
• Delayed Event: The goal here is to help the patient control their urge. They will be taught how to delay urination whenever they experience a strong urge to urinate.
• Bathroom Time Table: A patient will set the time they will go to the bathroom during the day. For example, every 3 hours.
• Medical Devices: Below are some medical devices that are designed exclusively for females to help address urinary incontinence:
  – Bulking agents
  – Pessary
  – Sacral nerve stimulator
  – Urethral inserts

How to Manage Urinary Incontinence

Natural urinary incontinence treatment options can include the following:

Magnesium-Rich Foods: Magnesium can help improve your nerve and muscle functions. Some experts believe that magnesium can help reduce bladder muscle spasms. This, in turn, will make it easier to empty the bladder completely.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D, which is mostly received from sunlight, can help build immunity and strengthen bones and muscles.

FAQ

1. Urinary Incontinence Causes? There are a plethora of issues that can cause urinary incontinence. Below you can find some of the most common urinary incontinence causes:

• Cancer
• Aging
• Enlarged prostate
• Kidney stones
• Urinary tract infection
• Interstitial cystitis

2. When should I consult a doctor? Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Loss of consciousness
• Difficulty walking
• Loss of vision
• Lack of bowel control

Healthier Me Today is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment, always consult with your healthcare professional. Stay healthy!