Urinary Incontinence - Overview

Urinary incontinence is the leaking of urine over which one has lost control. People who suffer from urinary incontinence have to face the embarrassing situation of losing a few drops or even a complete loss of bladder control.

The condition is linked to ageing, hypersensitive bladder, stress incontinence and benign prostate enlargement. A patient with urinary incontinence has to be careful even while doing normal activities like sneezing, coughing, brisk walking, bending, jumping, etc. If untreated, it may adversely affect the patient’s sex life, making them shy away from intimacy, as well as the overall quality of life.

 

Urinary Incontinence - Causes

·        obesity

·        long-standing cough

·        long-standing sneezing

·        pregnancy

·        childbirth, especially in case of vaginal delivery and more than one delivery

·        post menopause

·        aging - due to laxity of the sphincter

·        surgery involving removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) and prostate

Medical reasons

·        urinary tract infections

·        medications - diuretics and heart or blood pressure medications, sedatives and muscle relaxants

·        surgery or removal of the uterus, which may damage muscles and ligaments, causing weak bladder control

·        prostate enlargement

·        bladder stones

·        constipation

·        nerve diseases - stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, brain tumour or a spinal injury

Triggering factors

·        stress

·        anxiety

·        heavy caffeine intake

·        heavy alcohol consumption

Urinary Incontinence - Symptoms

Urinary incontinence can be present in any of the following forms:

Stress incontinence: leaking caused by sudden pressure while coughing, sneezing, exercising, dancing and swimming.

Urge incontinence:

·        sensitive or overactive bladder

·        the urge arises even with a small quantity of urine in the bladder

·        increased frequency, more than 8 to 10 times a day

·        urge to urinate even at the thought or sound of water, or during sexual activity

·        certain medications causing an urge of incontinence

Overflow incontinence: dribbling urine when the bladder fails to empty properly.

It is possible to have one or all combinations of the aforementioned symptoms.

Complications

Physical complications:

·        skin disease such as rash, boils and infections due to skin irritation

·        recurrent urinary tract infections and fever

·        obesity due to lack of exercise

·        unpleasant urine odour from the body

·        hygiene problems

·        disturbed sleep

Emotional complications:

·        low self-image

·        emotional and social isolation – avoiding social gatherings and outings with the family

·        relationship issues between partners, avoiding intimacy

·        depression because of an impaired quality of life

·        Urinary Incontinence - Treatment

·        Homeopathy is known to treat the root cause of the disease without any side-effects; it also takes care of the psychological damages caused by this condition.