What is Incontinence?

Having urinary control relies on the intricate coordination of the muscle tissue of the bladder and urethra, skeletal muscle, voluntary inhibition and the autonomic nervous system. When the system is disturbed, urinary incontinence is the result.

Incontinence is classified into two basic groups, and can be caused by a number of factors, including diseases of an anatomical, pathological, or physiological manner. It can also be caused by diseases such as spinal bifida or multiple sclerosis, which are muscular innervation disorders.

The first classification group is known as acute and temporary incontinence, which is most often caused by the following:

• Limited mobility
• UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)
• Side effect of medication
• Childbirth
• Excessive consumption of caffeine and/or alcohol
• Drinking too much or not enough fluid
• Constipation

The second is known as chronic incontinence, which is most often caused be the following:

• Weak bladder or pelvic floor muscles
• Injuries to the brain or spinal cord
• Birth defects
• Nerve disorders
• A blocked urethra
• Vaginal prolapse
• Pregnancy & childbirth
• Hormonal changes following menopause
• Interstitial cystitis
• Bladder cancer
• Neurological disorders
• Obstruction caused by a mass or tumor

Types of incontinence:

• Stress - loss of bladder control upon sneezing, coughing, laughing, etc.
• Urge - loss of urine with a feeling of urgency to do so. Also, involuntary contraction of the bladder occurs.
• Mixed - a combination of the aforementioned two.
• Overflow - the bladder never completely empties - it constantly drips urine.
• Reflex - occurs when a person sustains an injury to their nervous system.
• Total - continuous leaking, day and night.
• Nocturnal enuresis - nighttime bed-wetting.

Incontinence Treatment

There are many treatments for incontinence. An examination of the urine may help identify causes and conditions. Specialized tests, such as urodynamic, endoscopic ,and imaging will provide more extensive evaluation and insight into further treatment. You may be asked to keep a diary for a period of time, keeping track of what you drink and when your body voids it. There are injections, medications, surgical and non-surgical treatments, and self-catheterization.

Incontinence may also be managed by making changes to your lifestyle. Your doctor may recommend you do Kegel exercises daily, integrate foods into your diet to avoid constipation, stop smoking, as nicotine can irritate the bladder, avoid overconsumption of certain types of medications, and forcing yourself to urinate only every three to six hours, which 'retrains' your bladder or on the opposite end of the spectrum, to practice a technique known as double voiding, in which you urinate, wait a few seconds and then urinate again.