URINARY INCONTINENCE
What is it and what does it affect?
Urinary incontinence is the unintentional passing of urine.
Urinary incontinence affects both men and women, but it tends to be more common in women overall. In women it can be more common among peri-menopausal than pre-menopausal women.
Are there different types of incontinence?
There are two different types of urinary incontinence, but the most common are:-
- Stress incontinence- This is usually the result of the weakening or damaging of the muscles used to prevent urination, such as the pelvic floor muscles and the urethral sphincter.
- Urge incontinence - This is usually the result of over activity of the muscles which control the bladder
What causes urinary incontinence?
- Pregnancy and vaginal birth
- Ageing – although incontinence is not an inevitable part of ageing
- Menopause – changes caused by the menopause such as weakening of tissue and low levels of the hormone oestrogen
- Family history of incontinence
- Long term heavy lifting/manual work
- Prolonged coughing or sneezing e.g. in smokers, or those with a long term lung condition such as allergy
What can I do about it?
Although it may be embarrassing talking to someone about your symptoms, it's a good idea to see your Doctor or Pharmacist if you have any type of urinary incontinence, as they can provide appropriate advice on how to effectively manage the problem.
To help with the diagnosis your healthcare professional may suggest you keep a diary to monitor how much fluid you drink, and how often you have to go to the toilet.
How can it be treated?
Your Doctor or Pharmacist may suggest some simple measures to see if they help improve your symptoms, for example:
Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and cutting down on caffeine and alcohol.
Pelvic floor exercises - exercising your pelvic floor muscles by contracting them, you may need guidance from a trained specialist on how to do this.
Bladder training - learning ways to help you wait longer between needing to go the loo, again you may need special guidance from a specialist on how to do this.
Self-help measures
There are a wide range of highly absorbent, hygienic and discreet incontinence products available over the counter. Talk to your Pharmacist or healthcare professional about which one is most suited for your needs.
If you are still unable to manage your symptoms, medication may be recommended and/or surgery may also be considered. The specific procedures suitable for you will depend on the type of incontinence you have. Surgical treatments for stress incontinence are used to reduce pressure on the bladder, or strengthen the muscles that control urination. Operations to treat urge incontinence include enlarging the bladder or implanting a device that stimulates the nerve that controls the detrusor muscles.
