Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control, a condition many people struggle with that affects all aspects of life. Incontinence occurs due to issues with the muscles and nerves that help the bladder hold or release urine. You may leak urine when you cough or sneeze. Or you may suddenly have the urge to go but can’t get to the bathroom in time.
If you struggle with incontinence, you may have many questions that seem difficult to ask, feel embarrassed to discuss your symptoms or think that nothing can be done to help. We want you to know that Summa Health is a supportive and compassionate place to discuss these issues with your healthcare provider. We do not want you to suffer in silence.
When you talk with your healthcare provider, you will learn more about incontinence, available treatments and changes you can make to understand this condition and continue to do what you love.
Five basic types of urinary incontinence include:
Stress incontinence is one of the most common types of urinary incontinence and happens when the pelvic floor muscles have stretched. It causes you to leak urine when you are active. Physical activity puts pressure on the bladder, such as lifting, walking, sneezing and coughing.
Urge incontinence, also known as overactive bladder (OAB), is when you leak urine after feeling a sudden, strong urge to go to the bathroom. You may have OAB if you have to go eight or more times a day and more than once at night. Because of the sudden onset, you may restrict your activities and worry that you might suddenly have to urinate when you aren’t near a bathroom.
Mixed incontinence is when you have stress and urge incontinence simultaneously. This is more common in females.
Overflow incontinence happens when the body proceeds more urine than the bladder can hold, or it is full and cannot empty, causing it to leak urine. While it is most common in males, some females with advance prolapse may experience overflow incontinence.
Functional incontinence happens when a medical condition, like arthritis, keeps you from getting to the bathroom quickly.
What are some causes of urinary incontinence?
- Urinary tract infection
- Pregnancy and childbirth, the strain from carrying a baby and giving birth can weaken muscles, ligaments and nerves in the pelvis
- Menopause, when estrogen levels drop
- Prostate issues, such as enlarged prostate or prostate surgery
- Obesity
- Other medical conditions, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease that can damage nerves or muscles
- Medications, such as diuretics (water pills), sedatives, sleeping pills and ones that treat depression
Treatment Options
Many females believe bladder control problems are a part of aging and there’s nothing they can do. But, that’s not the case. Most bladder control issues are treatable and manageable.
Typically, the first line of treatment is behavioral changes and at-home exercises. Limiting fluid intake before bedtime or activities that last several hours can help. Other options include:
- Dietary changes: Limit consumption of bladder irritants, such as coffee, caffeine, carbonated drinks and alcohol.
- Bladder training: Try training your bladder to hold urine for longer and longer periods of time in between bathroom breaks, with the goal of reaching 2-3 hours between bathroom trips.
- Timed voiding: Set a schedule during the day for bathroom breaks about every 2 to 3 hours, instead of going when you feel the urge, to help prevent emergencies and regain control.
- Double voiding: After going to the bathroom, wait a few seconds and then try again to ensure you fully empty your bladder.
- Bladder exercises: Strengthen your core muscles and do regular Kegel exercises to help strengthen pelvic floor muscles and improve bladder control.
- If behavioral changes don’t work, additional treatments are available. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medication to help control an overactive bladder by relaxing the muscles.
Your provider may talk to you about other options based on the kind of incontinence you have. Some other possible options may include:
- Biofeedback
- Nerve stimulation: Mild electrical pulses are sent to stimulate nerves in the bladder. The pulses can increase blood flow and strengthen the muscles that control the bladder.
- Botox injection: A Botox injection can be used to relax your bladder muscles and increase the amount of urine your bladder can hold.
- Vaginal pessary device: A small silicone device, often shaped like a ring, is placed in the vagina to support the pelvic floor muscles and help reduce stress incontinence.
For severe cases, surgery is an option for more permanent solutions. For example, surgeons can implant a device that transmits electrical pulses to stop your bladder from contracting. They also can enlarge your bladder or place a catheter to help remove urine. Sling procedures to hold the bladder in place are also common to treat stress incontinence.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with a specialist, call
330.434.0543.
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