Urinary Incontinence

It's estimated that more than 12 million Americans of all ages, both male and female, experience urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence is the body’s inability to hold urine until proper release (until one reaches the restroom).

Urine is stored in the bladder. It leaves the body through a thin tube called the urethra. Two muscle groups control the release of urine. Sphincter muscles hold the urethra closed, then release and allow urine to pass. Tiny muscles in the urethra also propel urine along its path. If either of these muscle groups because to act unexpectedly, incontinence can occur.

It can be caused by the side effects of some prescriptions, or by constipation, urinary tract or vaginal infections, or nerve disorders. Most cases of incontinence can treated without surgery, through a variety of therapies.

Incontinence can also occur when there are changes in the pelvic muscles which support the weight of the bladder in the body. Sometimes these pelvic muscles weaken. When this happens, they no longer support the bladder in its normal position. The bladder dropping, even slightly, can place stress on the urethra and sphincter muscles, sometimes causing incontinence.

Urinary incontinence occurs more in women than men, most especially in older women. This is due to a number of biological changes that occur during a woman’s life, such as pregnancy, childbirth, and menopausal changes. Female incontinence is also due to the unique structure of the urinary system in the female anatomy.

There is always a biological reason for incontinence. Incontinence does not occur simply because a woman “can’t hold it” anymore. For example, because of the effects of a stroke or some other injury, anyone, male or female, can become incontinent. Aging can also add to the difficulties associated with urine control.

Types of Incontinence

Incontinence is often classified according to the circumstances in which it occurs. Most women experience a mix of stress and urge incontinence, called mixed incontinence.

Stress incontinence occurs during movement (laughter, coughing, sneezing, exercise). Urge incontinence is the sudden release of large amounts of urine at unexpected times.

Transient incontinence is a temporary condition caused by a medication or infection.

Functional incontinence occurs when one cannot reach a toilet facility due to physical injury or disability, or inability to communicate the need to urinate.

Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder is extremely full, and a small amount of urine leaks out.

Kegel Exercises

To locate the right muscles, try stopping or slowing your urine flow without using your stomach, leg or buttock muscles. When you're able to slow or stop the stream of urine, you've located the right muscles.

  • Squeeze your muscles. Hold for a count of 10. Relax for a count of 10.
  • Do this 20 times, 3 to 4 times a day.
  • You may need to start slower, perhaps squeezing and relaxing your muscles for 4 seconds each and doing this 10 times, 3 or 4 times a day. Work your way up from there.

Treating Incontinence

The first step in treating any form incontinence is determining its underlying cause.

For example, does the incontinence occur during movement? Could it be the result of infection? Or has there been possible or nerve damage?

Stress tests, urinalysis, blood tests, ultrasound, and other techniques allow us to understand the cause and then develop a treatment strategy.

Pelvic floor exercises, lifestyle adjustments (for example, restricting the consumption of alcohol and coffee), timed bladder training, medication, and other treatments may help completely eliminate or control urinary incontinence.

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