Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence (UI) is the problem of involuntary urination which creates a condition of distress in the person suffering from it. It changes the lifestyle of the person leading to several psychological problems like depression. The condition of bed-wetting which can be referred to as UI, are seen principally in children. Customary voiding takes place owing to the descending of urethral pressure and augmenting of bladder pressure. When the pressure difference remains unchanged, it leads to incontinence. For both men and women, this condition is mostly associated with aging.

Incontinence in women starts to appear generally after 60. It is commonly linked with obesity and diabetes. Urge UI and stress UI are the two common types of UI found especially in women. When urethra loses support as a result of pregnancy and child birth, characterized by leaking of urine in small amounts during normal bodily activities like coughing, sneezing, etc. The muscles lining the urinary bladder, called the detrusor muscles goes through improper holding back contractions leading to dripping of urine in bulk quantity. This condition is termed as urge UI.

In men, the commonest cause for this incontinence is the enlargement of the prostate gland. Neurological disorders like spinal cord injury, strokes, etc. can also lead to problems related to the urinary bladder.

Some other types of incontinence include;

1. Giggle incontinence, which often occurs with children during laughing.
2. Overflow incontinence, the oozing out of urine for some more time after voiding.
3. Functional incontinence, the condition when the person gets the urge to urinate, but doesn’t get the time to reach the toilet.
4. Post-void dribbling, where certain amount of urine still remains in the bladder after urinating process and this residual urine starts to drip down.

The condition of incontinence can be well diagnosed by an expert urologist. Several conditions like urinary tract blocking tumors, reduced sensation, neurological problems, etc. can lead to incontinence. Proper functioning of bladder muscles by performing bladder capacity measurement, chances for residual urine, etc. will be checked by the expert. Normally, tests for determining the stress conditions of the patient, analysis of urine for infections, blood tests, ultrasound, cytoscopy, etc are carried out. The voiding time, voiding intervals and amount of urine passed out has to be recorded for reference.

Behavior management, bladder retraining therapy, medications and surgery are the common methods of treatment prescribed for incontinence. Treatment becomes effective if diagnosed early and in the correct manner.

One of the most effective treatments is the exercise of pelvic muscles. They are collectively called as floor muscle exercise, which progresses the power to control the bladder. Kegel exercise fortifies the affected part.

Chemotherapy is also advised for incontinence by administering of fesoterodine, tolterodine and oxybutynin, even though side effects are visualized in certain cases. Surgery is also opted, but only after trying out all other methods of treatment. Other methods include; slings, trans-vaginal tape, mini slings, etc. in case of female patients. Special absorbing capacity undergarments are available so that the dripping can be avoided. Catheters are employed in certain cases, especially for men. Even external urine collection device are been into market which can be safely adhered to the penis. Incontinence pads are also employed in certain hospitals for cases where napkins cannot be used.

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