Urinary incontinence could be defined as involuntary urine leakage that varies from occasional losses (Mild) to total inability to control urination (Severe).
50% of women suffer from Urinary Incontinence in the course of their lives and are twice as likely as men to experience this disorder due to the causes that originate it.
If you have urine problems, such as frequent urination, loss of urine or an overactive bladder, our attentive team of professionals and our Pelvic Floor Unit may be the solution you have been looking for so much in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Discover our laser treatment for urinary incontinence, related to Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause, Vaginal Laxity after Childbirth and Puerperium, by accessing this link.
What are the symptoms of urinary incontinence?
Common signs and symptoms of urinary incontinence include:
- Leakage of urine when exercising, coughing, sneezing or laughing.
- Feeling sudden and uncontrollable urges to urinate.
- Frequent urination
- Waking up many times at night to urinate.
- Urinate during sleep.
What are the causes of urinary incontinence?
You can discuss with one of our specialists the possible causes of urinary incontinence, which include:
- Pregnancy and childbirth: During pregnancy, the uterus presses on the bladder and can cause incontinence. Giving birth vaginally can also stretch and weaken the muscles that support bladder control.
- Menopause: As estrogen levels decline during menopause, vaginal tissue becomes thinner. Experts believe this also happens to the tissues of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
- Urinary tract infections: UTIs can cause temporary incontinence.
- Medication: Some medications, including diuretics (or diuretics), can cause urinary incontinence.
- Nerve damage: Any disease or injury that affects the nerves that control the bladder can cause incontinence.
- Tumors anywhere in the urinary tract.
- Constipation: constipation can cause compacted stool, which puts more pressure on the bladder.
- side effects of hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus).
- Excessive consumption of diuretics: caffeine, vitamin C, and chocolate can stimulate urine production and cause or worsen symptoms of urinary incontinence.
What types of urinary incontinence are there?
There are a few different types of incontinence, each of which have different triggers and treatments. Types of urinary incontinence include:
- Induced by Effort: This type of incontinence is characterized by the sudden loss of bladder control when you sneeze, laugh, lift heavy objects, cough, or do strenuous exercise.
- overflow: If your bladder doesn't empty completely or if you have trouble regulating the signals between your bladder and brain that tell it when you need to urinate, you may experience constant "leaking" or "dribbling" of urine.
- Urgency: This type of incontinence is characterized by a sudden and compelling need to urinate, followed by involuntary urination. Urge incontinence is also more common at night and can lead to getting up several times during the night to urinate.
- Functional: Functional incontinence is due to the inability to get to the bathroom in time. This is not caused by a condition related to the urinary tract, but by another condition such as arthritis.
- Mixed Mixed incontinence occurs when one or more of the other types are combined.
- Overactive or Neurogenic Bladder.
What are the risk factors for urinary incontinence?
Urinary tract disorders such as urinary incontinence have a variety of risk factors, which vary depending on the specific condition. Common risk factors include:
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop stress urinary incontinence due to the structure of the urinary tract and reproductive organs.
- Age: Menopause and aging can change muscle strength and reduce bladder capacity, increasing the likelihood of incontinence.
- Body weight: Being overweight increases Urinary Incontinence.
- Smoke: Smoking increases the risk of developing many medical conditions, including urinary incontinence.
How can urinary incontinence be prevented?
You may not be able to prevent some types of urinary incontinence, as the condition is often caused by uncontrollable factors, such as pregnancy. Instead, you can reduce your risk of urinary incontinence by avoiding urinary tract infections, learning about and avoiding common incontinence triggers, and:
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Performing Kegel exercises and other exercises to strengthen the muscles of the bladder and pelvic floor.
- Avoid foods and drinks that cause urinary incontinence, such as caffeinated drinks, chocolate, spicy foods, and acidic foods.
- Quit smoking or not smoking.
- Attend our Pelvic Floor Unit to strengthen it.
En Clínica del Carmen We have an extraordinary team of professionals who will advise you and help you manage the discomfort caused by urinary incontinence. Call us or request your appointment online. We will be delighted to assist you!
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