Incontinence

URINARY INCONTINENCE

Urinary incontinence — the loss of bladder control — is a common and often discomforting problem. Something womens feel taboo to discuss in our society. It can be a common and distressing problem, which may have a profound impact on quality of life.

Common complaints include:

A need to hurry to the toilet due to fear of urinary leaking Urinary leaking on the way the toilet or whilst waiting for a toilet in a queue Sudden desire to pass urine when you know your bladder isn't full. Going to the toilet more than 6 - 8 times per day or greater than 2 times at night Leaking of urine with a cough, sneeze, jump, laugh or change of position. Difficulty passing urine or emptying your bladder A feeling of heaviness or a bulge in the vagina Difficulty controlling wind or bowel movements.

Types:

Stress incontinence is the most common type. It occurs when the pressure in the bladder becomes too great for the bladder outlet to withstand. This is usually caused by weak pelvic floor muscles.

Urge incontinence (unstable or overactive bladder) is the second most common cause. You have an urgent desire to pass urine. Sometimes urine leaks before you have time to get to the toilet. The bladder muscle contracts too early and the normal control is reduced due to less control over the muscle.

Mixed incontinence. Some people have a combination of stress and urge incontinence.

Overflow incontinence. This occurs when there is an obstruction to the outflow of urine. The obstruction prevents the normal emptying of the bladder. A pool of urine constantly remains in the bladder that cannot empty properly.

Bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis) occurs in many children but some adults are affected.

Functional incontinence is the name given to urinary incontinence where there is nothing obviously wrong with the nervous system controlling the bladder or the lower urinary tract (bladder/urethra) itself. An example would be incontinence because you were unable to reach the toilet, due to poor mobility

If urinary incontinence affects your day-to-day activities, don't hesitate to see your doctor. In most cases, simple lifestyle changes or exercise management possibly will change your quality of life.