La Urinary incontinence is involuntary loss of urine without control of the filling and emptying of the urinary bladder, sometimes accompanied by a strong desire to urinate.
It is very common in the adult population, more common in women than in men. The incidence increases almost linearly with age until it is considered one of the geriatric syndromes, both because of its high prevalence in people older than 65 years and because of the negative impact it causes on the elderly person who suffers it.
It is estimated that 50% of women, whatever their age or condition, they suffer from urinary incontinence at some point in their life and that 10% of them suffer significant losses regularly.
Types of urinary incontinence
Transient urinary incontinence: Certain foods, beverages and medicines can act as diuretics, such as alcohol, caffeine, soft drinks, artificial sweeteners, foods high in sugars, blood pressure and heart medications, sedatives and relaxants ...
Urinary incontinence can also be a persistent disorder caused by physical problems or background changes, including:
Hormonal changes and weight gain of the fetus can cause stress incontinence.
Vaginal birth can weaken the muscles needed to control the bladder and also damage your nerves and supporting tissue, which leads to the pelvic floor descending (prolapse). The prolapse can push down the bladder, uterus, rectum or small intestine from their usual position, and make them appear in the vagina. Such bumps may be associated with incontinence.
Changes due to age. Aging of the bladder muscle may decrease the ability to store urine. In addition, involuntary bladder contractions become more frequent over the years.
After menopause, women produce less estrogen, a hormone that helps keep the lining of the bladder and urethra healthy. The deterioration of these tissues can aggravate incontinence.
Hysterectomy. In women, the bladder and uterus are supported by many muscles and ligaments they share. Any surgery involving a woman's reproductive system, for example, removal of the uterus, can damage the support muscles of the pelvic floor and cause incontinence.
Enlarged prostate. Especially in older men, incontinence often comes from an enlarged prostate gland, a condition known as "benign prostatic hyperplasia."
Prostate cancer. In men, stress incontinence or compelling incontinence can be associated with untreated prostate cancer. But more common is that incontinence is a side effect of treatments for prostate cancer.
Obstruction. A tumor in any part of the urinary tract can obstruct the normal flow of urine and cause overflow incontinence
Neurological disorders. Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, a stroke, a brain tumor or spinal cord injury can interfere with the nerve signals involved in bladder control and cause urinary incontinence.
+ Frequently asked questions about urinary incontinence
What is your treatment?
El treatment of the Urinary incontinence It depends on the type of incontinence, the severity and the underlying cause. A combination of treatments is probably needed. If the pre-existing disease is the cause of the symptoms, the doctor will treat that disease first.
However, the doctor may recommend various guidelines such as:
El bladder training. You can start trying to contain it for 10 minutes every time you feel the need to urinate. The goal is to extend the time between trips to the bathroom until you urinate only every 2,5 to 3,5 hours.
Pee twice. This helps to learn to empty the bladder in order to avoid overflow incontinence. Urinating twice means urinating, waiting a few minutes and trying again.
Schedule schedules to go to the bathroom, in other words, urinate every two to four hours instead of waiting until you need to go.
Control fluids and diet. It may be necessary to limit or avoid alcohol, caffeine and acidic foods. Reducing fluid intake, losing weight or increasing physical activity can also alleviate the problem.
How can urinary incontinence be prevented?
La Urinary incontinence It can't always be prevented. However, to reduce the risk, you may find it useful:
- keep a healthy weight
- Practice pelvic floor exercises
Avoid foods that irritate the bladder, such as caffeine, alcohol and acidic foods
Ingesting more fiber, which can prevent constipation, a cause of urinary incontinence
Do not smoke or seek help to quit smoking.
Do you want more information or consult your case?
Related services
Psychotherapies
Everyone can do a Psychotherapy, the main thing is that they have motivation to do so and consider that they can help with their difficulties or conflicts.
Gynecological Laser - Gynelase
It is a revolutionary new treatment that corrects atrophy, relaxation and vaginal aesthetics in addition to mild and moderate urine losses
Intimate Female Surgery
The female intimate surgery also called Genital Aesthetics, has as its main objective to improve the appearance and functionality of the female genitalia. Currently in Clinic
