Have you ever felt a sudden, intense urge to urinate which is followed by an involuntary loss of urine? Do you experience occasional leakages of urine while coughing or sneezing and that’s so sudden and strong that you don’t get to a washroom in time? If yes, then, unfortunately, you might have lost control of your bladder, and this condition is called Urinary Incontinence.

Today, let’s know what it is and how it is to be treated!

What is Urinary Incontinence?

It is the urinary disease because of which people lose control over the urinary bladder. It is common problem faced by people these days and occurs more often in aging people.

What are its symptoms?

The only Urinary Incontinence symptom is the leakage of urine. Many people experience it as occasional, minor leakages, while it also occurs in some as small to moderate amount of leakage which solely depends on the type ofurinary infection one has.

Its types include:

• Stress Incontinence

In it, the leakage occurs as a result of the pressure one exerts on the bladder by coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, or lifting heavy objects.

• Urge Incontinence

It is the sudden and intense urge to urinate which is followed by a leakage before you reach the washroom. In it, one may experience an urge to urinate often, even throughout the night. This condition can be a result of an infection, severe neurological disorders, or diabetes.

• Overflow Incontinence

In this condition, one experiences a frequent or constant dribbling of urine which is because of a bladder that doesn’t empty completely.

• Functional Incontinence

This is a rather problematic situation, as due to physical or mental impairments, one may not be able to get to the washroom in time.

• Mixed Incontinence

This is a mixture of more than one type of Urinary Incontinence, which majorly refers to the combination of Stress Incontinence and Urge Incontinence.

What are its probable causes?

This urinary problem can occur due to regular, day-to-day habits, underlying medical conditions, or physical problems. Thus, one must keep a check on the following:

• Intake of alcohol,
• Caffeine
• Carbonated drinks and sparkling water
• Artificial sweeteners
• Chocolate
• Chili peppers
• Foods that are high in spices, sugars, and acid
• Heart and blood pressure medications, sedatives, and muscle relaxants
• Large doses of Vitamin C
• Urinary Tract Infection(UTI)
• Constipation
• Pregnancy
• Changes with age
• Menopause
• Enlarged prostate
• Prostate Cancer
• Obstruction
• Neurological disorders

How can it be solved?

As Urinary Incontinence treatment, your doctor may suggest some simple measures like:

• Bringing changes in one’s lifestyle
• Pelvic floor exercises
• Bladder training, etc.

If the situation still persists, absorbent pads and handheld urinals are the products that may be suggested along with some medications that will help you control your urinary problem. And, if it gets severe, surgical interventions may also be recommended by your doctor.

For more information about Urinary Incontinence and Urinary Tract Infections, reach out to the expert urologists in Gurgaon at The Signature Hospital, Gurgaon via 01246034444