Urinary incontinence, also known as UI, is a common condition that involves the involuntary loss of urine. Although it is not usually a serious condition, UI can be embarrassing and affect a person’s daily life. Urinary incontinence is most common in women, especially during and after pregnancy, but can affect people of all ages.
Causes of Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is often caused by a urinary tract infection or weak muscles in the urinary tract. Some medications may cause weak bladder muscles, therefore causing urinary incontinence. Weak muscles may prevent the closing off of the urethra, and doing certain activities may cause urine to leak. Normal urination involves emptying the bladder when the desire to urinate occurs, at which point the bladder contracts and flows out of the body. Once the bladder is empty, the muscles contract and urination stops. People with UI experience a disruption in this process that causes a loss of bladder control and results in troubling symptoms.As symptoms progress, patients may also develop bladder stones, blood in the urine or a bladder infection. This condition will continue to worsen if left untreated.
Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence
In addition to leaking urine, people with UI may also experience:
- Strong desire to urinate
- Pelvic pressure
- Frequent urination
- Nocturia, or the need to urinate at night while sleeping
- Painful urination
- Bed wetting
UI is a common condition with many treatment options that can relieve symptoms and allow patients to perform their regular activities without the embarrassment and worry of urinary leakage.
Types of Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence may be classified into three different types based on causes and symptoms.
Urge
Urge incontinence is the most common type of incontinence. This type of incontinence involves urine leakage that occurs after a sudden urge to urinate, because the muscle wall of the bladder is overactive.
Stress
Stress incontinence is defined as urine leakage that occurs after an activity places pressure on the bladder. Activities may include coughing, laughing or sneezing.
Overflow
Overflow incontinence occurs as the result of an inactive bladder muscle that does not completely empty the bladder after urination. This is the least common of the types of incontinence.Immunotherapy is the stimulation and use of the body’s own defenses to fight off cancer. It involves boosting the bladder’s defensive abilities by injecting it with disease-fighting substances naturally produced by the body. Immunotherapy is only recommended when cancer is in its earlier stages.
Diagnosis of Urinary Incontinence
Patients exhibiting the symptoms of UI should see their doctor to determine the cause, type and severity of their condition. Doctors can diagnose urinary incontinence through a series of tests and an evaluation of the patient’s medical history. Patients may also be asked to keep a bladder or urination diary to record the frequency and circumstances of their urination troubles. Testing may begin with a pelvic exam to detect any physical abnormalities, and may also include:
- Blood tests
- Urinalysis
- Cystogram
- A stress test to determine if any urine leaks during physically stressful situations
After a diagnosis of UI, the physician may perform further testing to determine the cause of the condition, in order to recommend the most appropriate treatment approach.
Treatment of Urinary Incontinence
There are many different treatment options available for urinary incontinence, depending on the severity of the condition. Conservative treatments are often effective, and may include:
- Bladder training
- Avoiding alcohol and caffeine
- Medication to control pelvic muscle spasms.
- Kegel exercises
For more severe cases, a medical device such as a urethral insert or pessary may be inserted through the vagina to prevent urine leakage. Surgery may also be recommended to provide support to the bladder neck to relieve symptoms caused by UI. However, there are certain risks associated with surgery, including infection, bladder spasms or recurring incontinence. A doctor will determine which treatment is best for each patient after a thorough evaluation of their condition.
Prevention of Urinary Incontinence
Not all cases of urinary incontinence can be prevented, however the following recommendations may help in controlling urinary incontinence in some people:
- Drinking less fluids
- Emptying the bladder regularly
- Avoiding caffeinated beverages
Kegel exercises may also be effective at strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor which can help to prevent incontinence.