Urinary Incontinence in Women
What is urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is when you lose control of your bladder, causing leaks. This can happen suddenly or over time. It is more common in women and can be temporary or long-lasting. Causes include weak bladder muscles, aging, infections, or health problems.
What are the types of urinary incontinence?
- Stress incontinence: Leaks when laughing, coughing, sneezing, or exercising.
- Urge incontinence: A strong, sudden need to urinate, but you can’t make it to the bathroom in time.
- Overflow incontinence: When you can’t fully empty your bladder, causing leaks.
- Mixed incontinence: A combination of stress and urge incontinence.
- Functional incontinence: Happens when mental or physical issues (like arthritis or dementia) prevent you from getting to the bathroom on time.
Causes and risk factors of urinary incontinence in women?
- Aging
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Obesity
- Neurological problems
- Bladder or prostate cancer
- Infections
When to seek help?
If you experience urinary incontinence, see a doctor. It could be a sign of something serious, and even mild incontinence can affect your daily life.
Treatment options
- Lifestyle changes: Stay active and eat healthily to help prevent incontinence.
- Non-surgical treatments: Bladder training, Pelvic floor exercises, and Devices to support the urethra.