Urinary incontinence is leakage of urine while you cough or sneeze or sudden urge to urinate. It is a common problem for many people causing embarrassment in public places. You may not get a toilet when you have sudden urge to urinate. Incontinence is caused by weakened nerves on the urinary tract and can be treated easily through medications. Though it looks like a simple problem, it can cause discomfort for many people, especially women.
Facts on Incontinence :
- As you grow old, you are more likely to develop incontinence
- Women are more in number having incontinence than men
- It is reported that out of 10 women (middle aged) 5-6 women would have incontinence
- Out of 10 men (old age) 1-4 would develop incontinence
- On the basis of ethnic group white women have increased chance to have urinary incontinence when compared with Asian women
- Urinary incontinence can be easily treated by medications and by certain pelvic floor exercises
Types and Causes :
Stress incontinence and urge incontinence are the two major types of incontinence.
- Stress Incontinence :
It occurs due to the condition of weakened pelvic muscles. This happens during childbirth and due to excess of weight. Actually, it is the pelvic floor muscles that give support to bladder and when it becomes weak due to the above reasons, it pushes the bladder down exerting great pressure. Tightening of pelvic muscles is not possible at this stage. This leads to non-closure of urethra fully causing leakage of urine. Incontinence occurs when the person coughs, or sneezes or does strenuous exercises. Stress incontinence is common among elderly women after childbirth.
- Urge Incontinence :
This type of incontinence occurs when the muscles of bladder contracts involuntarily to push out the urine from the bladder. Exact reason for this type of incontinence is not known. Sudden stress, irritation of bladder and certain type of diseases like Parkinson’s syndrome can cause urge incontinence. For some people, overactive bladder can cause this problem. When the nerves that control the urinary tract becomes weak or gets damaged it can cause incontinence.