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Urinary Incontinence | 23rd June, 2017

Urinary incontinence occurs when the muscles in the bladder that control the flow of urine contract or relax involuntarily.

This results in either leaking or uncontrolled urination.
The condition affects nearly 1 in 10 people over age 65.
Urinary incontinence can range from mild, occasional leaking to chronic uncontrolled urination.
Incontinence itself is not a disease, but it can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
 
Causes of Urinary Incontinence
 
Incontinence may be a temporary problem caused by a vaginal or urinary tract infection (UTI), constipation, certain medications, or it can be a chronic condition.
 
The most common causes of chronic incontinence include:
 
  • Overactive bladder muscles
  • Weakened pelvic floor muscles
  • For some men, an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
  • Nerve damage that affects bladder control
  • Interstitial cystitis (chronic bladder inflammation) or other bladder conditions
  • A disability or limitation that makes it difficult to get to the toilet quickly
  • Side effects from a prior surgery
 
Stress Incontinence
 
With this type, urine leaks due to weakened pelvic floor muscles and tissues. It can happen when pressure on your bladder increases, such as when you exercise, laugh, sneeze, or cough.
 
Pregnancy and childbirth can stretch and weaken a womans pelvic floor muscles. Other things that can lead to stress incontinence are being overweight or obese, taking certain medications or, in men, having prostate surgery.
 
Urge Incontinence
 
This is also called overactive bladder (OAB). With this type, you have an urgent need to go to the bathroom and may not get there in time.
 
Causes of overactive bladder include:
 
  • Damage to the bladders nerves
  • Damage to other parts of the nervous system
  • Damage to muscles
Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinsons disease, diabetes, and stroke can affect nerves, leading to urge incontinence. Bladder problems, such as infections and bladder stones, and certain medications can also cause it.
 
Overflow Incontinence
 
If you can not empty your bladder, you may have overflow incontinence. This means you may dribble urine.
 
Causes include:
 
  • Weak bladder muscles
  • Nerve damage
  • Conditions that block the flow of urine, such as tumors or an enlarged prostate
  • Constipation
  • Certain medications
You need to get the condition treated. If your bladder can not empty, that can lead to infections and other problems.
 
Functional Incontinence
 
Mental or physical problems such as dementia or arthritis prevent you from getting to the bathroom in time.
 
Mixed Urinary Incontinence
 
This means you have any two types of the condition. Many women have both stress and urge incontinence.
 
Treatment for Different Types of Urinary Incontinence
 
Lifestyle changes and treatments can help with symptoms. Your doctor can help you come up with a plan that is right for you.
 
Your Health Is Our Concern!
 
Mawuena Workartey/ Ghanahospitals.org

     
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