Urinary Incontinence or loss of bladder control is an underlying and underdiagnosed medical
problem, which has become a silent struggle for a large number of people
worldwide. Over 200 million people in this world suffer from this problem,
according to statistics released by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Although this
condition is more common in people over 40 years of age, even younger people,
especially women who have given birth via forceps, can get affected. The
magnitude of this disease ranges from leakage of urine during coughing and
sneezing loudly to having an irresistible desire to urinate, which ultimately
leads to leakage.
The good news is
that it can be cured by undergoing medical treatment and simple changes in
lifestyle. But to combat this ailment, it is imperative that you are familiar
with its types and causes.
Types of UI
Urinary incontinence is classified into three main categories.
However, it is not unusual if you experience a mix of all three types.
1. Stress Incontinence – This type arises when you are involved in certain
physical activities, such as exercising, sneezing, coughing, or heavy lifting. The
activity puts pressure on the sphincter muscles and causes involuntary leakage.
2. Urge Incontinence – As the name suggests, when you get a
strong and involuntary urge to urinate, loss of bladder control may occur which
ultimately leads to leakage. It may occur due to a sudden change in position.
3. Overflow Incontinence – This type occurs when you urinate but are unable
to empty your bladder completely. Later on, you might lose some urine, which is
also known as dribbling.
Causes of UI
A few cases are
temporary and can get triggered by beverages, such as alcohol, citrus juices,
caffeine, carbonated drinks, etc., or heart and blood pressure medications,
sedatives, mood enhancers, or even recreational drugs.
·
Damage
– If the pelvic floor
muscles are damaged in any way, incontinence may occur because these are the muscles
that directly control your bladder.
·
Aging
– As you grow older, your
bladder muscles tend to get weaker, which increases the chances of involuntary
urination.
·
Prostate
– In almost every man, the
prostate gland expands with age, which in some cases can cause a problem.
·
Other
Causes – There are many
other causes of this ailment, such as pregnancy, removal of the uterus,
complications in surgery, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis
(MS), etc.
Although this
condition is not worrisome, it is highly recommended that you consult a doctor
for effective guidance and treatment. You can pay special attention to your
diet by avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and acidic drinks.
