Urinary Incontinence
Aging does not cause Urinary Incontinence. It can occur for many
reasons. For example, urinary tract infections, vaginal infection or irritation,
constipation, and certain medicines can cause bladder control problems that
last a short time. Sometimes Urinary Incontinence lasts longer.
This might be due to problems such as:
weak bladder muscles,
overactive bladder muscles,
blockage from an enlarged prostate,
damage to nerves that control the bladder from diseases such as
multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease, or diseases such as arthritis that
can make walking painful and slow.
Many people with bladder control problems hide the problem from
everyone, even from their doctor. There is no need to do that. In most cases
Urinary Incontinence can be treated and controlled, if not cured. If you are
having bladder control problems, don’t suffer in silence.
Talk to your doctor.
Bladder Control
The body stores urine in the bladder. During urination, muscles in the bladder
contract or tighten. This forces urine out of the bladder and into a tube called
the urethra that carries urine out of the body. At the same time, muscles surrounding
the urethra relax and let the urine pass through. Spinal nerves control how
these muscles move. Urinary Incontinence occurs if the bladder muscles contract
or the muscles surrounding the urethra relax without warning.
Diagnosis
The first step in treating a bladder control problem is to see a doctor. He
or she will give you a physical exam and take your medical history. The doctor
will ask about your symptoms and the medicines you use. He or she will want
to know if you have been sick recently or had surgery. Your doctor also may
do a number of tests.
These might include:
urine and blood tests and tests that measure how well you empty
your bladder.
In addition, your doctor may ask you to keep a daily diary of when you urinate
and when you leak urine.
Your pattern of urinating and urine leakage may suggest which type of Urinary
Incontinence you have. |
