Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control and is a common problem that affects men and women. According to the American Urological Institute, millions of Americans suffer from urinary incontinence. Studies have shown that there are many things that increase risk for urinary incontinence. It is well known and assumed that old age leads to urinary incontinence but other factors can contribute such as pregnancy and delivery for women that increases with the number of children and includes vaginal delivery as well as C-sections. Men who have prostate problems are at an increased risk as well as some prescription medications. Obesity, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure and smoking has also been linked to higher cases of urinary incontinence.
There are several types of urinary incontinence and it is not considered a disease in and of itself but considered a symptom of conditions. Although linked to aging, it is not a normal part of getting old nor is it hereditary. Urinary incontinence can be treated. The types of urinary incontinence include Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI), Overactive Bladder (OAB), Mixed and Overflow Incontinence. To learn more about Urinary Incontinence, visit the Urology Care Foundation website.
Most everyone experiences occasional leaks of urine usually in small amounts. Some people may lose moderate amounts more frequently. There are no real symptoms of urinary incontinence but there are several types. The types of urinary incontinence include:
- Stress incontinence when urine leaks after coughing, sneezing, laughing or any heavy physical action.
- Overflow incontinence is the frequent dribbling of urine due to your bladder not emptying completely.
- Urge incontinence can be caused by an underlying condition and results in a sudden urge to urinate followed by an involuntary loss of urine.
- Functional incontinence that is caused by an impairment that just doesn’t allow you to get to the bathroom in time.
Urinary incontinence can be temporary or persistent depending on the factors that cause it whether they be underlying medical conditions or physical issues. Temporary urinary incontinence maybe caused by certain foods or drinks that stimulate your bladder. These include alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, spicy foods, artificial sweeteners, or sweets in general. Medications include certain heart and blood pressure pills, sedatives and muscle relaxants. Some treatable temporary medical conditions include Urinary Tract Infections and constipation.
Persistent urinary incontinence are typically caused by a medical condition such as pregnancy, after child-birth, menopause, prostate cancer, enlarged prostate, obstructions in the body and some neurological disorders.
There are many treatments for urinary incontinence and much depends on the underlying conditions, the type of incontinence, the sex and age of the patient as well as their general health and mental state. Treatments include exercises, medications, medical devices, surgery or a combination. These treatments are different for the different types of incontinence and best determined by you and your doctor. For more information on treatments for urinary incontinence, check out this article from Medical News Today.
When should you come see us
It may be uncomfortable for you to discuss issues with incontinence with us but there is no reason why you should suffer. If your urinary incontinence is affecting your quality of life and impacting the activities that you can participate in, contact us. Your urinary incontinence may indicate a serious underlying condition.
How we can help
Austin Urological Associates can help men and women with urinary incontinence. Many people who suffer from incontinence consider it a natural consequence of aging or think nothing can be done. It can affect their normal activities and keep them from enjoying life. There are effective treatments for urinary incontinence. At Austin Urological Associates, we screen patients to determine the cause of the incontinence and offer treatments that will help them get back to normal everyday life without constantly being worried about leakage or losing bladder control. Contact us for an appointment at (512) 476-6060
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