Understanding the Different Types of Urinary Incontinence

Categories: HEALTH

Urinary Incontinence:

Loss of bladder control is referred to as urinary incontinence. Stress incontinence and urge incontinence, often known as an overactive bladder, are the two types of urine incontinence that women experience most frequently. Two times as many women as men experience incontinence. This may be the case since urine incontinence may be more likely during pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. Age-related urinary incontinence is not a given, and it is treatable.

Loss of bladder control, often known as pee leakage, is known as urinary incontinence. The kidneys produce urine, which the bladder stores. When you need to urinate, the muscles in your bladder contract. Urine is driven out of your bladder through a tube known as the urethra when the bladder muscles contract. Sphincter muscles around the urethra relax at the same moment to allow the pee to exit the body.

When the sphincter muscles are unable to squeeze the urethra shut due to the rapid tightening of the bladder muscles, incontinence may result. You might not be able to resist the sudden, overwhelming urge to urinate that results from this. You may leak pee as a result of pressure brought on by laughing, sneezing, or physical activity. A issue with the nerves that regulate the bladder muscles and urethra can also result in urinary incontinence. When you have urinary incontinence, you may leak a little urine or a lot of urine all at once.

The uncontrollable leaking of urine is referred to as urinary incontinence, and it can occur for a variety of reasons. For a precise diagnosis and the best course of therapy, it is essential to comprehend the various types of urine incontinence.

Here are the main types:

Stress incontinence: This type of incontinence occurs when there is an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, such as during activities like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or physical exertion. It is most commonly seen in women and is often associated with weakened pelvic floor muscles or weakened sphincter muscles.

Urge incontinence: Also known as "overactive bladder," urge incontinence involves a strong, sudden, and uncontrollable urge to urinate, followed by involuntary urine leakage.

Overflow incontinence: This type of incontinence happens when the bladder is unable to empty completely, leading to constant or frequent dribbling of urine. It occurs when the bladder muscles are weak or the urethra is blocked, preventing the complete release of urine. Conditions such as enlarged prostate, urinary stones, or nerve damage can cause overflow incontinence.

Functional incontinence: This type of incontinence is not directly related to problems with the urinary system but occurs due to physical or cognitive limitations that make it difficult for a person to reach the bathroom in time. Conditions like arthritis, Parkinson's disease, or dementia can contribute to functional incontinence.

Mixed incontinence: Some individuals may experience a combination of two or more types of incontinence, typically stress and urge incontinence. This is known as mixed incontinence and often requires a tailored treatment approach that addresses both aspects.

Reflex incontinence: Reflex incontinence is caused by damage to the spinal cord and disrupts the normal communication between the bladder and the brain. Individuals with reflex incontinence experience involuntary bladder contractions that can result in urine leakage, typically without sensation or awareness.

Causes of urinary incontinence:

Urinary incontinence may result from routine behaviours, underlying illnesses, or physical issues. Your doctor can help discover the cause of your incontinence by conducting a complete evaluation. The types of incontinence and their causes are closely related.

1. Stress incontinence: factors consist of:

·        Conceiving and giving birth.

·        Menopause, as a decrease in oestrogen may cause muscle weakness.

·        Among other surgical procedures, a hysterectomy.

·        Age.

·        Obesity.

2. Urge incontinence: The following factors have been linked to urge incontinence:

·        Cystitis, an infection of the bladder lining.

·        Neurological disorders such Parkinson's disease, stroke, and multiple sclerosis (MS).

·        Enlarged prostate, which can irritate the urethra and cause the bladder to descend.

3. Overflow incontinence: This occurs whenever the bladder is blocked or obstructed. The following could be an impediment:

·        A swollen prostate gland.

·        Bladder being pressed up against a tumour.

·        Bladder stones.

·        Constipation.

·        Surgery for urinary incontinence that went too far.

4. Total incontinence: This may happen due to:

·        A birth flaw in the body's structure.

·        A spinal cord injury that affects the brain-to-bladder nerve communication.

·        When a tube or channel forms between the bladder and a neighbouring region, generally the vagina, it is called a fistula.

5. Other causes: These consist of:

·        Several pharmaceuticals, particularly a few diuretics, antihypertensives, sedatives, and muscle relaxants.

·        Alcohol.

·        UTIs, or urinary tract infections.

Risk factors of urinary incontinence:

Your risk of getting urine incontinence is increased by a number of factors, such as:

Gender: Stress incontinence is more common in women. This discrepancy can be attributed to normal female anatomy, menopause, pregnancy, and childbirth. However, men who have issues with their prostate gland are more likely to experience urge and overflow incontinence.

Age: Your bladder and urethra's muscles deteriorate in strength as you age. Your bladder's capacity decreases as you age, increasing the likelihood of an unintentional pee leak.

Being overweight: Being overweight puts more strain on the muscles that surround and support your bladder, weakening them so that pee can seep out when you cough or sneeze.

Smoking: Your risk of urinary incontinence may increase if you consume tobacco.

Family history: Your chance of acquiring urine incontinence increases if a close relative has it, particularly urge incontinence.

Some diseases: Your risk of incontinence may rise if you have diabetes or neurological disorders.

Diagnosis urinary incontinence:

There are several ways to identify urine incontinence:

A bladder diary: The individual keeps track of how much they drink, when they urinate, how much urine is produced, and how many times they experience incontinence.

Physical exam: The doctor may check the vagina and the pelvic floor muscles' strength. A male patient's rectum may be examined to check for enlargement of the prostate gland.

Urinalysis: Testing is done to look for abnormalities and infection indications.

Blood test: This can evaluate kidney performance.

Postvoid residual (PVR) measurement: This evaluates the quantity of urine still in the bladder after urinating.

Pelvic ultrasound: provides an image and might be used to find any anomalies.

Stress test: The patient will be instructed to exert sudden pressure as the doctor checks for urine loss.

Urodynamic testing: The amount of pressure the bladder and urinary sphincter muscle can withstand is determined by this.

Cystogram: An X-ray method can produce a bladder image.

Cystoscopy: The urethra is punctured with a little tube that has a lens at the end. Any irregularities in the urinary tract can be seen by the doctor.

Treatment of urinary incontinence:

There are several potential treatments for urine incontinence:

Bladder training: You could be urged to perform specific activities that can improve your bladder control, such as pelvic floor exercises or bladder training.

Behavior therapy: Depending on the cause, controlling your fluid intake, changing your diet, or going to the toilet at set times before you feel the desire to go may help you manage bladder incontinence.

Condition management: Treating the underlying problem that is causing your urine incontinence, such as constipation or a UTI, may also help your incontinence.

Medication: Depending on the reason of your bladder incontinence, medication may occasionally be helpful. A class of medications called antimuscarinics is used to treat an overactive bladder.

Catheter placement: A doctor might advise an internal or external catheter to help manage overflow incontinence or, in some situations, functional incontinence if your urine incontinence is chronic and negatively affecting your quality of life.

Weight loss: Because losing weight can ease pressure on your bladder, a doctor could advise it to help you manage your symptoms.

Absorbent undergarments: Smaller leaks may be contained by using pads or absorbent undergarments, such as washable and reusable pants or disposable knickers.

Reducing bathroom barriers: Consider keeping a straight and well-lit path to the loo if you're having difficulties finding it, especially at night. This will help you get there as quickly as possible.

Complications of urinary incontinence:

Chronic urinary incontinence complications include:

Skin problems: Skin that is constantly damp might develop blisters, rashes, and skin diseases.

Urinary tract infections: Your risk of recurrent urinary tract infections rises with incontinence.

Impacts on your personal life: Your social, professional, and personal relationships may be impacted by urinary incontinence.

Prevention of urinary incontinence:

Sometimes urinary incontinence cannot be avoided. But in order to lessen your danger:

1. Keep an appropriate weight.

2. Perform exercises for the pelvic floor.

3. Steer clear of bladder irritants such acidic meals, alcohol, and caffeine.

4. Consume more fibre to avoid constipation, which can lead to urine incontinence.

5. If you smoke, either stop or get support to stop.

It's crucial to remember that both men and women can experience urine incontinence, however some varieties could affect one gender more frequently than the other. It is advised that you speak with a healthcare provider if you have urinary incontinence symptoms so they can do an accurate assessment, identify the underlying cause, and make treatment recommendations.