Urinary incontinence explained
Despite its complex name, it simply means the involuntary loss of urine in medical terms. While it can affect both men and women, it is more common in women and can become more prominent with increasing age. Incontinence can occur due to a failure in the storage mechanism of the urinary bladder or the inability of the sphincter muscles to function properly.
UI can be caused by various factors, such as dysfunction of the bladder or pelvic floor muscles, with such issues often arising during pregnancy or childbirth, or at the time of menopause, Urinary tract infections, and Obesity.
Types of urinary incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence- According to US Food & Drug Administration stress UI occurs when there is a leakage of urine due to pressure exerted on the bladder during certain physical activities like sneezing, coughing, laughing, or exercising.
Urge urinary incontinence: This occurs due to an overactive bladder during which there is a sudden strong urge to urinate which results in involuntary loss of urine.
Mixed urinary incontinence: This type of incontinence shows symptoms of both stress and urge incontinence.
Treatment
The management of incontinence is influenced by different factors such as the underlying conditions, the severity of symptoms, and the type of incontinence. The most common treatments are cognitive behavioral therapy, pelvic exercises, and medications.
Invasive therapy includes surgery which is the last resort if the above traditional methods do not work.
Non-surgical treatment
Lifestyle changes are the primary step taken to tackle incontinence issues. A study shows that consumption of caffeine has been associated with worsening urinary tract symptoms although the reduction in caffeine does not improve incontinence but can reduce symptoms of frequency and urgency.
A study has shown that losing weight can lead to a significant reduction in stress incontinence episodes. In fact, one study found that 3-5% of baseline weight loss resulted in a 47% decrease in stress UI.
Additionally, fluid intake modifications like keeping track of fluid intake, and limiting intake after 6 pm to reduce nighttime voiding can help incontinence to some extent. Not drinking enough fluids can lead to concentrated urine, which can irritate the bladder. On the other hand, drinking too much fluids can cause leakage and increased frequency of urination. Therefore, keeping track of the intake of water along with proper timely voiding can prevent involuntary leakage.
PFMT, also known as pelvic floor muscle training or Kegel exercises, helps to strengthen pelvic floor muscle function and is effective for treating stress urinary incontinence. To prevent leakage, women should tighten their pelvic floor muscles during abdominal pressure increases like coughing. Regular muscle strength training can also help support the pelvic floor.
Furthermore, medications are also considered if the above methods do not give any relief to the patient. Administration of medicines should be in accordance with the existing medical conditions and other medications of the patient.
Urinary incontinence can be managed with lifestyle modifications, and if symptoms persist or worsen, consulting a physician is crucial. Recognizing symptoms and seeking medical advice promptly ensures better control and improved quality of life.
