Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is a condition where a person is not always able to control when they need to urinate. As a result, they may suffer leaks.
There are different types of urinary incontinence, including:
- Stress incontinence: This occurs when physical activities—such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising—put pressure on the bladder and cause urine to leak.
- Urge incontinence: Also known as “overactive bladder,” this happens when there is a sudden and intense urge to urinate, and you may not be able to make it to the bathroom in time.
- Overflow incontinence: This occurs when the bladder doesn’t empty completely, leading to constant dribbling or frequent leakage.
- Functional incontinence: This type of incontinence is related to physical or cognitive impairments that make it hard to reach the bathroom in time, even if the bladder is not full.
Treatment
Treatment for urinary incontinence depends on the type and underlying cause. It can include lifestyle changes such as bladder training, pelvic floor exercises (Kegels), dietary adjustments, and managing fluid intake
Risk Factors
Risk factors for urinary incontinence include being older. Women who have experienced childbirth and hormonal changes are also at higher risk, but urinary incontinence can affect people of any age. It can have various causes, including weakened pelvic floor muscles, nerve damage, hormonal imbalances, certain medications, urinary tract infections, and other underlying medical conditions.